Much has been mentioned today about the role of Twitter in the horror in Nairobi over the last few days. Right now our main concern is prayer for those directly affected by this horror. We would also pray, as instructed (Matthew 6:13) for deliverance from evil, over which we have no power of our own. We can only limit its manifestations. That being said, there will be in time maybe some advantage in reflecting a bit on some the reporting that has been made today through various sites and networks about the role of social media, specifically Twitter, through all this.
Specifically, it seems to be observed that those working the side of evil were better at using communication tools than the authorities. The bad guys seem to be acknowledged has having been more persistent, inventive, and actually more accurate about events as they were happening. I think we want to remember, however, that the terrorists knew what was going to happen because they planned it, and could plan the communication aspect of it as well, whereas the authorities had no time to plan the communications about something they did not know was going to happen. Also, authorities and institutions seem by nature to be more measured, cautious, and, often, slow to ackknowledgge realities.
I am compelled to see a parallel with how powerful commercial forces communicate in the world and how the church communicates. There are forces that create “needs” in us and are poised to fulfill those instilled needs. The communication is persistent,, nimble and inventive. We in the church communicate like authorities and institutions: with little of what we would call passion, which would bring persistence, nimbleness and inventiveness. OK, there is a huge difference in monetary resources. But there is also a huge difference in energy and creativity available – in our favour – through the Holy Spirit. The real difference is in passion. Where is ours?