Cancel Culture

Cancel culture has been around for a while but became exceedingly popular in 2020. Cancel culture is a form of dismissal of a person, business, or entity for various reasons as a form of punishment. The slang meaning of being canceled is widespread public condemnation and criticism directed towards an individual or entity for perceived offensive behavior. In simple terms, to cancel someone simply means to reject or stop supporting a person or entity because they have done something to offend you. Think about social reform boycotts. Their purpose was to send a message by affecting the income of a business to invoke change. However, cancel culture can be more of knee jerk reaction not always based in truth, but very effective and most times hurtful if the masses join. The person being canceled often is devastated, losing money and sometimes their very livelihood.

No one wants to be canceled. As humans, we are drawn to the approval of people, whether it is from claps, likes, Amens, or hi-fives, we seek approval from others. This need for approval has often caused people to do stupid things to get likes on social media or has caused depression for the lack of approval. As believers, we should seek approval from the Lord. We get that approval by following His Word, having a relationship with Him, and sharing the gospel. However, there are some people who will feel the ramifications of the ultimate form of cancelling. These people may be public figures known by many or local figures known by few. These people typically speak boldly for Christ and may even do what seems to be “wonders” in the name of Jesus, but they often do these things for their own glory or even to deceive others for personal gain.

Imagine, publicly faking a Christian Walk, profiting from this walk, and then being canceled by the Lord you claimed to work so diligently for. This is the end for false prophets, for those people who knowingly use the name of Christ for self-gain or self-glory. Although, the world may believe these people are on fire for Jesus, they cannot fool the Lord. At the worst time ever, these people may hear, “Depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness, I never knew you.” Matthew 7:23

PRAYER: Lord, the rejection of the world is nothing compared to the rejection from You. Thank You for grace and mercy and the opportunity to get it right. Lord, forgive us for using our gifts for self-glory even using Your name to get that glory. Forgive us when we forget that it is about You and not us. Continue, Lord, to teach us and guide us so when it matters most we are not canceled. In the matchless name of Christ, Amen.
By Sis. Patricia Towns