May 14, 2020

by Pastor Mark Adams

May 14, 2020

In a recent concert, country music mega-star Garth Brooks hit the stage in Detroit wearing the jersey of retired Detroit Lions running back, Barry Sanders. However, the photo above that he posted backstage confused some of his fans.  

Because of the name “Sanders” and the jersey number 20, they foolishly assumed the shirt was meant to convey support for Vermont senator Bernie Sanders, who at the time was embroiled in a race with former Vice President Joe Biden for the right to run against President Trump as a Democratic challenger for this year’s presidential election.

Concluding that Brooks really did have “Friends in Low Places” some Instagram users posted things like:

“Good grief! Can’t you just do what you get paid to do? Why, why does it have to involve politics!!! So sad. We don’t pay good money for anything other than to watch you perform. Thought you were different.”
 
And: “Nothing like supporting a communist to lose a few fans! How about going to a successful socialist country and doing some research? Oh yes, you can't because there AREN'T ANY successful socialist countries!”
 
While there were plenty Garth Brooks fans online to correct the mistaken assumption of these angry Instagramers, there were also more than a few Bernie Sanders supporters happy to play along:
 
One wrote: “Welp. Looks like @garthbrooks just became my favorite country singer! #FeelTheBern2020.”
 
Even Barry Sanders himself got in on the fun. “Hey @garthbrooks you wanna be my VP? #Number20for2020.”
 
Have you ever blown your top as “The Thunder Rolls,” said something foolish and then realized your anger was based on flawed information? It’s a terribly embarrassing feeling isn’t it?! You pray it didn’t happen---that you didn’t put your cyber-foot in your mouth---but it’s just another one of those “Unanswered Prayers.”
 
When Christians lose their cool on their social media posts and say idiotic things, it not only makes THEM look like numby-heads (people who don’t have good brain circulation).  It causes disunity in the body of Christ and can bring shame to the church itself.
 
It is no wonder that Paul advises us to not let our anger lead us to sin. For when we do, we “give the devil a foothold” that he is more than happy to use for his purposes.  
 
I don’t know about you, but I have NEVER lost my temper and later felt good about it! It ALWAYS leads me to sin and away from obedience to our Lord’s command that I be a peacemaker.
 
Proverbs 29:20 says, “Do you see someone who speaks (or posts) in haste? There is more hope for a fool than them.”
 
Enjoy Facebook, Instagram and all the rest, but keep your cool as you:

Keep the SON in your eyes!
Mark