Tag: Social Media

Idolatry Is Killing the Church: Putting Jesus Above Politics

There is a quiet crisis unfolding within the Church today—one that is not always visible from the outside, yet deeply felt in the spirit. It is not persecution from the world, nor a lack of resources, nor even declining attendance. It is something far more dangerous: idolatry.

Idolatry is not just the worship of carved images or ancient gods. It is anything that takes the rightful place of Jesus in our hearts. And today, one of the most subtle and pervasive forms of idolatry in the Church is the elevation of politics above Christ.

When political identity becomes more important than spiritual identity, something has gone terribly wrong. When believers are more passionate about defending a party than proclaiming the Gospel, we have misplaced our allegiance. When unity in Christ is sacrificed for political agreement, we are no longer building the Kingdom—we are dividing it.

Jesus never called us to be ambassadors of political systems. He called us to be ambassadors of His Kingdom.

In John 18:36, Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world.” Yet many in the Church today live as though it is. We cling to earthly power, believing it will accomplish what only the Holy Spirit can do. We justify attitudes, words, and actions that contradict the very teachings of Christ, all in the name of protecting a political cause.

This is not righteousness. This is idolatry.

The early Church changed the world not through political dominance, but through radical love, humility, and unwavering devotion to Jesus. They didn’t have influence in government—but they had the power of the Gospel. They didn’t seek control—they sought surrender.

Somewhere along the way, we traded the cross for a platform, the Gospel for a talking point, and the mission of Christ for the mission of man.

The result? A watching world that no longer sees Jesus clearly through His Church.

If we are honest, many people outside the Church associate Christianity more with political arguments than with the love of Christ. That should grieve us. Because Jesus said the world would know us by our love—not our affiliations, not our opinions, not our ability to win debates.

The solution is not to abandon civic responsibility or ignore the issues of our day. Christians can and should engage in society. But our engagement must flow from our identity in Christ—not replace it.

We must return to our first love.

Jesus must be above every ideology, every platform, every candidate, and every cause. Our hope is not in governments, but in God. Our mission is not to win elections, but to win hearts. Our calling is not to mirror the world, but to reflect Christ.

It starts with humility. Repenting where we have allowed politics to shape our faith instead of allowing our faith to shape how we engage the world.

It continues with realignment. Re-centering our lives on the teachings of Jesus—His compassion, His truth, His grace, His holiness.

And it is sustained by surrender. Daily choosing to lay down every idol, visible or hidden, and declaring with our lives: Jesus is Lord.

The Church does not need more political power. It needs more spiritual authority. It needs believers who are so rooted in Christ that nothing else can take His place.

Idolatry is killing the Church—but it doesn’t have to.

If we lift Jesus back to where He belongs—above all things—we may just see revival begin again. ~OC

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A Stand For Freedom

For twenty years, I have been on the front lines in the fight against human trafficking. It’s not a battle you walk away from unchanged. The stories, the faces, the weight of it all—they stay with you. There are moments, though, when I close my eyes and allow myself to imagine something different. A world where no one is bought or sold. A world where freedom isn’t a privilege, but a given. A world where the word “trafficking” is something future generations only read about in history books, unable to fully comprehend how it ever existed.

In that quiet place of imagination, there are no victims—only people living in dignity, walking in purpose, and free to live the lives they were created for. There are no broken families from exploitation, no silent cries in the dark, no chains—visible or invisible—holding people captive. It’s a world filled with justice, restoration, and hope.

But then I open my eyes.

And I am reminded that the world we live in is still deeply broken. Human trafficking remains one of the most horrific crimes against humanity—hidden in plain sight, thriving in darkness, and fueled by indifference, greed, and silence. It’s easy for people to look away, to believe it’s too big, too complicated, or too far removed from their everyday lives. But the truth is, it’s closer than we think—and it demands a response.

That’s why I don’t stay in that dream.

I wake up more determined.

Determined to be a voice for those who have been silenced. Determined to stand in the gap for those who feel forgotten. Determined to push back against the darkness, no matter how overwhelming it may seem. Because every life matters. Every story matters. And every effort—no matter how small—has the power to make a difference.

Over the years, I’ve learned that ending human trafficking isn’t about one person or one organization. It takes all of us. It takes awareness, education, and the willingness to have uncomfortable conversations. It takes communities choosing to care, to pay attention, and to act. It takes persistence—especially on the days when it feels like nothing is changing.

But change is happening slowly. 

Every life rescued is a victory. Every trafficker brought to justice is a step forward. Every person educated is another light shining into the darkness. Progress may not always be loud or immediate, but it is real—and it is worth fighting for.

So yes, I still close my eyes sometimes and imagine that world without human trafficking.

But I don’t stay there.

Because the real work is here, in the waking moments—in the conversations, the advocacy, the prayers, the actions. The dream isn’t meant to be an escape; it’s meant to be a vision. A reminder of what we’re fighting for.

And until that vision becomes reality, I will keep waking up determined.

Because giving up is not an option—and neither is ignoring the call to stand for freedom. ~OC

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Integrity Over Influence

Dear Church and Christian Community,

Be careful about aligning yourself with voices that do not truly reflect the heart of God. Not everyone who speaks in ways that sound righteous is walking in truth. There are those who will use spiritual language, quote Scripture, and appear to stand for Christian values, yet their lives and motives reveal something far different. Discernment is not optional in this hour—it is essential. We must test every spirit, not by charisma or influence, but by the fruit they produce and the truth they uphold. Don’t allow yourself to be drawn in by words that sound good on the surface but are rooted in deception.

There is a dangerous temptation to trade integrity for influence—to get a seat at the political table at any cost. But what does it profit the Church to gain temporary access and lose its prophetic voice? When we entangle ourselves in a web of compromise and half-truths, our witness becomes clouded. The world is not changed by our proximity to power, but by our faithfulness to truth. Your temporary presence in places of influence may feel significant in the moment, but it can leave a lasting stain on your testimony if it is built on alignment with what is false.

Do not fall for the hype that blinds you from seeing clearly. Hype is loud, emotional, and persuasive—but truth is steady, consistent, and grounded in God’s Word. We are called to walk in the light, even when it costs us popularity, position, or approval. The Church must remain anchored in Christ, not swayed by cultural waves or political promises. Stand firm. Speak truth. And above all, guard your heart so that you are not led astray by what merely appears right, but instead remain faithful to what is right in the eyes of God. ~OC

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Pray For Your Enemies

Praying for people we don’t like or agree with can feel like one of the hardest things God asks us to do. Everything in us wants to resist—especially when we’ve been hurt, misunderstood, or deeply offended. Yet, Jesus didn’t leave room for exceptions when He called us to love and pray for others. He knew our hearts would wrestle with this, but He also knew the power that prayer holds—not just to change others, but to soften and transform us. When we choose to pray for someone we struggle with, we are stepping out of our feelings and into obedience, trusting that God sees what we cannot.

It doesn’t have to be complicated. A simple, honest prayer can reach farther than we realize. You might not have the perfect words, and that’s okay—God honors the willingness more than the eloquence. “Lord, bless them. Help them. Draw them closer to You.” That alone can begin to shift something in the spiritual realm. We often underestimate how one small act of obedience can ripple into someone’s life in ways we may never see this side of heaven.

We must guard our hearts against allowing hate, bitterness, or division to silence our prayers. The enemy would love nothing more than for us to withhold prayer from a broken and lost world. But as followers of Christ, we are called to stand in the gap—even for those who stand against us. Prayer is not agreement; it is surrender. It is choosing to see people the way God sees them: as souls in need of grace, just like us.

So today, take a step that may feel uncomfortable but is deeply powerful. Pray for someone you’ve been avoiding, someone you disagree with, or even someone who has hurt you. You don’t need to feel it fully to do it faithfully. God can take your small seed of obedience and grow it into something life-changing—for them and for you. ~OC

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Stay Rooted

Today’s a new day!

Be careful who you listen to and trust—this simple truth carries deep spiritual weight. In a world full of voices, opinions, and influences, not everything that looks good is good for you. Just as salt and sugar can appear nearly identical at a glance, what we hear can sound sweet, wise, or convincing while actually leading us away from truth. The Bible reminds us to test every spirit and to seek discernment, because deception rarely announces itself boldly—it often comes dressed in familiarity and comfort. If we are not grounded in God’s Word, we can easily mistake something harmful for something helpful.

Trust is a precious gift, and it should not be given lightly. As believers, we are called to anchor our trust in God first, allowing His truth to shape how we evaluate everything else. When we rely solely on human wisdom without seeking divine guidance, we risk being misled. Just as consuming salt when expecting sugar would leave a bitter taste, following the wrong voices can leave us spiritually drained and confused. Stay rooted in prayer, immerse yourself in Scripture, and ask God for wisdom to discern what is truly good. Not everything that looks right is right—but God’s truth will never lead you astray. ~OC

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All-Time Low

The bar for character and respect among our politicians in America has been lowered so dramatically that it almost feels invisible. What once required integrity, humility, and a genuine sense of service now seems optional—so much so that you don’t even have to jump anymore to clear it. As Christians, this reality should not simply frustrate us; it should challenge us. Scripture reminds us in Philippians 4:8 to dwell on what is true, noble, right, pure, and admirable. When public leadership drifts from these values, it becomes even more important for believers to stand firmly in them, not just in what we expect from others, but in how we live our own lives.

It’s easy to point fingers at leaders and lament the cultural decline, but Jesus calls us to a higher standard. In Matthew 5:13–16, we are described as the salt and light of the world—preserving what is good and illuminating what is right. If the moral bar has fallen in politics, then the responsibility of Christians is not to lower our expectations, but to raise our witness. We are called to model respect, truthfulness, and grace in our conversations, even when others do not. Our hope is not in human leaders, but in God’s unchanging character. And through our daily actions, we can reflect His righteousness in a world that desperately needs it. ~OC

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Grace Over Judgement

In a world where news travels faster than ever, it didn’t take long for headlines and social media feeds to light up after the news broke that a famous golfer had been arrested on a DUI charge. Within minutes, opinions flooded in—many of them harsh, judgmental, and unforgiving. It’s striking how quickly people can shift from admiration to criticism, often acting as though they themselves have never stumbled, never made a poor decision, never had a moment they wish they could take back. The reality is, we are all human. We all have flaws, struggles, and chapters of our lives we’d rather not have put on public display.

What’s often forgotten in moments like these is that behind the fame, the trophies, and the public persona is a real person—someone who may be dealing with deep personal challenges. Instead of rushing to condemn, perhaps this is a time to reflect inward. How would any of us feel if one of our worst moments became front-page news, dissected and debated by millions? It’s easy to judge from a distance, but empathy requires us to pause and consider the full picture. Fame should never strip someone of their humanity or make them an easier target for criticism.

Today, rather than adding to the noise of negativity, I encourage each of us to choose compassion. Lift Tiger Woods up in prayer—for his health, for his healing, and for his family. Life has a way of humbling all of us at different times, and when it does, what we need most is grace, not judgment. Let’s be mindful of the words we share and the attitudes we carry, remembering that kindness and understanding will always speak louder than criticism. ~OC

You can check out the Spoken Word version of this post at my YouTube channel Todd E. Shoemaker Music.

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Use Wisely

Today’s a New Day!

There are 10,080 minutes in every week—an abundant gift that often slips quietly through our hands if we’re not intentional. Scripture reminds us to “redeem the time,” to be mindful that each moment is an opportunity to draw closer to God and reflect His love in the world. When we begin to view our time not as something to spend, but as something to steward, our perspective shifts. Even the smallest portions of our day can become sacred. A few minutes in prayer in the morning, meditating on God’s Word during a lunch break, or offering gratitude in the quiet moments before sleep—all of these practices help anchor our hearts in Him. Loving God with our time doesn’t require perfection; it requires presence, consistency, and a willingness to invite Him into the ordinary rhythms of our lives.

But our calling doesn’t stop with loving God—it flows outward into how we love and serve others. Within those same 10,080 minutes are countless chances to show kindness, extend grace, and meet the needs of our neighbors. Sometimes that looks like serving in a church or volunteering in the community, but often it’s found in everyday interactions: listening attentively, offering encouragement, forgiving quickly, or simply being available when someone is in need. When we intentionally set aside time to serve others, we reflect the heart of Christ, who came not to be served but to serve. A life well-lived isn’t measured by how busy we are, but by how faithfully we use our time to love God and love people. If we dedicate even a fraction of our weekly minutes to these purposes, we begin to see that every moment holds eternal significance. ~OC

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In Difficult Times

Today’s a new day! 

I do not believe it is very presidential to celebrate the death of another human being. Even more so, it is not Christ-like to use harsh or mocking words when a family is suffering loss. As followers of Christ, we are called to a higher standard—one marked by compassion, humility, and reverence for life. When we see public figures model behavior that contradicts these values, it should not become an excuse for us to follow suit. Instead, it should prompt reflection. Sadly, many who identify as Christians are quick to celebrate alongside such attitudes, justifying cruelty in the name of loyalty or politics. This is a dangerous place for the heart to dwell.

Scripture speaks clearly to moments like these. In Proverbs 24:17–18, we are reminded: “Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice.” God sees beyond outward actions—He examines the posture of our hearts. When we take joy in the suffering or death of others, even those we may strongly disagree with, we step outside the character of Christ. It is a sobering call for believers to pause, to examine their hearts honestly, and to spend time in prayerful conversation with God. Our witness to the world should not be marked by cruelty or childish behavior, but by grace, truth, and love—even in the most difficult moments. ~OC

You can check out the Spoken Word version of this post at my YouTube channel Todd E. Shoemaker Music.

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Sheep’s Clothing

Dear Christian Community, scriptures warn us to be careful of wolves in sheep’s clothing. That warning isn’t just about obvious deception—it’s about the subtle kind that feels familiar, agreeable, even comforting. It’s about the politician who boldly claims the name of Christ, yet whose words lack grace and whose actions contradict the very teachings of Jesus. It’s about the entertainer who profits from darkness, surrounding themselves with symbols that mock holiness, yet casually drops the name of Jesus on a stage—and suddenly the Christian community applauds. It’s about the singer/rapper who’s celebrated for taking a cultural stand we agree with, while ignoring lyrics that glorify sin and exploitation. Too many Christians have learned to lower their discernment in exchange for alignment, trading truth for convenience.

But following Christ was never meant to be convenient. We are not called to endorse people simply because they echo a word we love or stand on a platform we agree with. Jesus said we would know them by their fruit—not their claims, not their moments, not their speeches, but their consistent lives. Dear Christian, it’s time to stop celebrating people just because they mention Jesus when it benefits them. The name of Jesus is not a tool for influence, and it should not be enough to win our loyalty. We must become people who love truth more than tribe, who value holiness over hype, and who are willing to stand apart rather than be swept up in the noise. Discernment is not judgment—it is obedience. ~OC

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