Rise Of The Truth Teller By Ashley AbercrombieSample

Day Five

Truth Telling in a Digital Age

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1–3

A scroll through social media might make it seem as if we’re telling truth more, but just because we’re going off in the comments section, doesn’t mean we’re actually helping anybody change or grow. In fact, dwelling in the digital space can actually make our role as truth tellers more challenging—and even more vital.

Jesus said that the kingdom of heaven is like a little yeast that a woman worked through sixty pounds of flour until it permeated all the dough (Matthew 13:33). It might feel like we have just a little, but the kingdom of heaven in the person of Christ, living inside of us, is potent and powerful. He modeled this for us. He didn’t build a nonprofit or an empire for Christian ministry, or post endlessly about issues and problems in society, but he did go about doing good, and he healed, cared for, and lifted up those whom society devalued or discarded. 

Together, with God and with each other, we can permeate this culture with kindness and love and grace, so that people come to know our Father in heaven and begin to follow the way of Jesus. Justice is not a trend; it is the heart of our Father. 

I removed Facebook from my phone this year, because I started hating people I actually like in real life. Suddenly, people started to feel like my enemies. And I’d never had enemies before. Has this happened to you? How does social media affect your own relationships and thoughts about yourself? 

God is not surprised by the digital age. He’s not up in heaven freaking out. He’s cheering us on, surrounding us with help, bringing peace in the chaos, restoring hope through the blessed and sacred ordinary. 

So how do we rise as truth tellers in a world like this one? One day at a time, seizing the moment, living awake and alive to the people and places right in front of our faces. And we must maintain the audacity, the sheer guts of grace, to own our story, tell it like it is, and live with holy gumption. You’re one of a kind. Never forget that. God took special care when he created you. 

Rise, truth teller, rise. The world is waiting, and who knows but that you have come to your place in society for such a time as this. Carry on my friend, just maybe not in the comments section.

How is the digital age changing you? Your thoughts and habits, your perspective and worldview? How will you remain grounded to the truth of God in the digital age?