YouTube Disciple
If he would have punched me in the face, I wouldn’t have been more surprised. But there he was saying it again,
“I’m leaving the Church. I’m leaving Christianity.”
As a long time member of our church, (let’s call him Tom), Tom was a quiet, but engaging guy who was always eager to be involved in the life of the church. So when he dropped this bomb, I was stunned. As I probed a bit more about his new found atheist worldview, and how he ended up here, he said a phrase I’ve heard too many times as a pastor, “I saw this clip on Youtube…”
Infinite Content
Who of us haven’t fallen down a YouTube rabbit hole, only to come up for air two hours later to ask ourselves, ‘Has it really been that long?!’ With every conceivable topic known to man: pet tricks, military spouse reunions, DIY projects, educational lectures, and TED Talks…you name it…. anyone with any interest can find what seems to be an infinite amount of content.
I’m a lifelong student with a curious mind for all kinds of topics, so I get the attraction of bite sized consumable content that seeks to answer are biggest questions. Yet, there's a danger we must be mindful of.
Media consumption without spiritual discernment leads to spiritual train wrecks.
Tom’s not the only one to come to me with a life altering epiphany after consuming a deluge of media. Whether it be conspiracy theories, fringe faith ideologies, or simply swallowing an opposite worldview that’s articulated well, but is unchecked by outside sources. Many times they come to me already settled and absolutely resistant to any input when it comes their new found direction. It’s scary and heartbreaking.
Guard Your Heart
To guard against this trap, here’s a few things you should keep in mind:
As a follower of Jesus, always allow the Bible to be your media filter.
Yes, be a learner, but be a learner of all sides of an issue.
Don’t go it alone! Before diving headlong into a new way of life based on what you’ve watched, invite a few trusted, mature, believers into what you’re wrestling with.
If you find yourself obsessing on a topic, it’s time for a break.
It’s not a question if you’ll be discipled. You’re being discipled by someone or something. This is why it’s crucial to “keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” -Prov. 4:23 (ESV)
Be a learner, but be discerning.