Taking Takes Off, or, Nebby Is as Nebby Does

They were heady days, the first decade of the internet. The market seized on this new technology to do what it does best, spread pornography. The Reformed seized on it to do what it does best, skewering our brothers. I was there for the rise and fall of Federal Vision, regularly pilloried by both sides. I watched it unfold first in discussion forums, later in blog pieces and their accompanying comments.

Now we live in the world of social media. Podcasts, the occasional blog and the ubiquitous social media outlets have multiplied voices, venues and vituperations. That multiplication of venues has created not only more opportunities for battles, but more pressure for EVERYONE to have a take. It’s not just Team Webbon and Team Wilson but everyone else insisting they know how to divvy up the fault.

Though I’m confident even fewer people would care where I come down on the latest imbroglio than did with respect to Federal Vision, I did want to throw my two cents in. Ready? I haven’t the faintest idea who is at fault, or for what. That’s my two cents.
I consider Pastor Wilson to be a friend, and he has certainly had a profound influence on me over the years. That said, my first concern about him would be my perception that he doesn’t get an A+ in Discernment Class when it comes to picking friends. I serve as exhibit A. Pastor Webbon’s perspectives cross my timeline from time to time, but we have never met. I’d never heard of Pastor Tobias before this dust up.

Which means not only do I not have to have a take, I am blessed to not actually have one. It is profoundly freeing to be able to walk away from someone else’s fight without taking a dog by the ears (Proverbs 26:17). The Bible says we ought not to do so. Even if someone said something he shouldn’t have said. Even if someone shared a meme. Even if sharing said meme is done for honorable purposes. Even if someone is guilty of untempered key rattling.

When you grab a dog by the ears, it doesn’t matter which side is right and which wrong. You are wrong. Even if you actually know which side is right. Even if you, no, because you take it upon yourself to pronounce judgment on the people and the situation you run afoul of God’s command to mind your own beeswax.

I’ve often wondered why this biblical account doesn’t get more interest:

Then one from the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”
But He said to him, “Man, who made Me a judge or an arbitrator over you?” (Luke 12: 13-14).

The Judge of heaven and earth bowed out of this dispute. He did not feel the need to enter the fray. If nothing else, shouldn’t this account slow down our incessant need to have a take on every controversy coming down the pike? Shouldn’t we feel some sense of embarrassment over our eagerness to spend our time down at the Dog Ear Grabbing Emporium and Circus?

I’m guilty too. Lord, forgive me and teach me to not meddle in the affairs of others.

* Nebby