Over the weekend I began watching a Youtube video refuting some of the ministers who make outlandish prophetic statements. At the beginning of the video the creator of the content had altered the look of the “prophetess” in a mocking fashion. It reminded me of how the animation of Shrek looked.

At that point I decided to leave a comment and not watch the rest of the video. Here is the comment I made:

Hey, I love your channel and appreciate what you do, but I would like to make a suggestion for you to prayerfully consider. When you mock these people you are refuting, the way you mocked  (name omitted) early in the video, I don’t think such mockery promotes true godliness.

I was very careful to write this comment in a humble manner making appeal for godliness to which we are all called to. Well, later I checked back in and there were multiple comments from Christians that took issue with what I had written, even though I had suggested that the YouTuber prayerfully consider my suggestion. Their comments had the same calloused vibe that I have seen for a long time on social media sites, where Christians devour one another over disagreements regarding doctrinal issues.

It is very concerning when we as Christians default to harsh attitudes towards one another, rather than embracing prayerful humility in our attitudes.

One thing I have always felt in my heart is a conviction not to insult those I refute. I have by no means been perfect, but have felt a sense of restraint that I am called to obey. This is not always easy, but as servants of Christ, we are called to be above reproach in these matters. How we present the truth matters. The scriptures teach us to speak the truth in love and not to be mockers or revilers. This to me, is the most concerning thing that I see within Christianity today in the age of social media.

The greatest danger to our faith is not false teachings from the likes of the NAR, it’s callousness that takes root in our hearts and minds in how we treat others, especially those we view as our enemies. When we refute others who teach false doctrines, we are not free to be insulting or to implore mockery. Such behavior does not glorify Christ, nor does it beautify the doctrine of godliness. Itstead, it displays unrestrained carnality. It’s truly embarrassing when those who teach false doctrines can demonstrate more restraint in their response than those refuting them with better theology and doctrine.

We must remember that there are sincere believers who are our brothers and sisters in Christ, who may be following some of these false teachers that we feel we must call out. If we refute error with a wrong spirit, we could hinder our brothers and sisters in Christ who need sound doctrine and good theology. A major part of sound doctrine is the manner in which we conduct ourselves and I don’t think many of us have yet understood this.

In 1 Timothy 6, Paul speaks of godly behavior so that the name of God and his doctrine will not be blasphemed. In Titus Paul encourages godly behavior so as to adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. We must be careful to minister God’s word with reverence for God, in the fear of the Lord.

There is more that needs to be said along this line, and I am in no way perfect as I need to examine myself as well. However, I am concerned about the harshness with which many of us have learned to behave towards our brothers and sisters in Christ.

There are false teachers who could come to repentance if they are shown the error of their way in a godly and kind spirited manner, but if they are mocked, the chances are they will not listen.

We all need to examine ourselves.