To Testify or Not?

Born in the 50's, I had the privilege of living through the era of simplicity, of the introduction of black and white television until today; the internet age. Things have changed, not gradually but by a quantum leap (as prophesied in the Bible). One of the greatest evolvement of course, is the power of communication. Multimedia, social media have become objects of "worship". It has taken a life in itself and is demanding worship. Take a look around you and you'll see people worshipping this "god". Artificial Intelligence (AI) is  indeed the "beast', the god of this age (Rev. 13).

At the wedding in Cana where Jesus performed His first miracle, He made a thought provoking statement. By then many had seen His miracles and believed in His name, yet it was written: "Jesus, however, was wary of these believers. He understood people and didn’t need anyone to tell him about human nature. He knew what people were really like." (John 2:24-25). Social media has not only shaped our lives but has also brought out the very nature of us. If you look into social media, say Facebook, what do you see? Basically, self centeredness  - the very core of human nature. Craving for "likes", there's this constant postings of self ... what I ate, where I went, what I did, what I saw, the things that caught MY attention, etc. I am not saying FB is bad. I am saying it's not the tools but the hands that held the tools. And this brings me to my thoughts for today ... testimonies.

I am actually quite alarmed at the way Christians assimilate information via social media. Are we doing good or harm? Most testimonies are just per say. There's no way to verify the actual facts. It's just what one sees and understands. Just like prophecies, how do you know it's really from God? Just because some so called prophet prophesied over you? Or some dreams or notions that God spoke to you? More importantly, why is there a need to broadcast over social media? To glorify God? To help God? Here's my point today. Does God need your help to proclaim His glory? Does God need your help in defending His character and Name? Does God need you to fight His battles? Does God really need you? And does God crave for your "likes"?

Many of us take it upon ourselves to appoint ourselves as middle man between God and man. In so doing, I fear many have misrepresented God in so many ways. And may I add, especially preachers. We think God needs us. We think His Kingdom cannot do without us. We even broadcast ourselves as God's chosen man/woman. So what am I saying? Don't do anything for God or for His kingdom? Of course no. To serve God is our honour and privilege. But to reckon that God needs us, that He needs our testimonies, that is misleading. God has no need for anything. Only the imperfect have need(s). God is perfect and therefore has no need. How can we say God needs us? While we think we are doing God a favour in broadcasting our testimonies, or worst yet, broadcasting other people's testimonies, let's remember our own human nature. "He knew what people were really like". Now, let me say this. If God had healed you, delivered you, saved you, don't think it is for the purpose of broadcasting to the whole world. Just know that someone out there in the harvest fields within your circle of friends, your family, or some strangers you may meet who have the same struggles you had before God saved you, healed you and delivered you, go share your testimony with them personally. Tell them what God had done for you. "Go into all the world ..." is not about you broadcasting for "likes". It's about you personally going out there in the harvest fields, giving out faith, hope and love. Only God can save. Your testimony cannot save. We are now living in the age of Revelation 13. Careful now, which God you are serving. Is it truly God or is it the beast of Revelation 13?

N.B. Did Jesus go about giving testimonies of the healing and miracles He performed?