“SLACKTIVISM”
Several years ago, I read an article by Jack Wilkie in which he was talking about “slacktivism.” Maybe you have heard the term “slacktivism” or maybe you have not. Oxford online dictionary defines the word as “Actions performed via the Internet in support of a political or social cause but regarded as requiring?little time or involvement, e.g., signing an online?petition or joining a campaign group on a social media website.” He did speak of the “Occupy Wall Street” movement that accomplished basically nothing but had tens of thousands of people voicing their support on Twitter (now X). People could feel involved without really getting involved.
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The gist of the article was whether or not “slacktivism” has entered the church. He made the point by saying if you have ever heard the statement, “That’s what we pay the preacher for” you have witnessed “slacktivism.”? The job of ministering is a responsibility all Christians must share. Some believe that as long as they show up on Sunday morning for worship, that is all that is expected. Nothing is farther from the truth.
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Slacktivism is acutely displayed in the “faith only” doctrine. It is not what God desires of His people. James illustrates this in James 2:14-17- 14 What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? 15 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. People know what needs done, acknowledges what needs done, however, they merely speak about what needs done without doing it!
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Jesus has made it very clear through His teachings and His examples that we all, if we consider ourselves Christians, must dedicate our lives to God and serving Him by serving others. James says in James 1:27, and I am paraphrasing here, that pure and faultless religion is to look after the needs of others and not allow yourself to be defiled by the world.
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Only by teaching the truth of God’s word and applying to our lives can we avoid “slacktivism.” Think about this statistic for a moment, 80% of people ages 18-29 who consider themselves Christians admit to pre-marital sex. The question is why do these young “Christians” feel that this is acceptable to God? Usually it is based in a lack of godly teaching and example in the home, “Slacktivism.”
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Friends, we cannot “phone in” our relationship with God! His word is clear on what we must do in order to be saved and it involves being involved!
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Read Matthew 25:31-46
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