In a recent article published in The ChristianPost I described the Internet/Digital media as a Battlefield for destiny… and explained the strategy of Jacob when he changed the offspring of Laban’s cattle by flooding their mind with the images of what he wanted them to produce. We can also win with the same principle.
A lesson from that article and Bible text is that we become what we continue to (voluntarily or involuntarily) see and not necessarily what we like, understand, admire or even approve of. An element therefore to winning the battle is to sponsor and project on the internet and indeed other media considerably much more material to promote more interest in the living truth … every spirit-filled Church therefore will have a strategy for digital media.
It is often said that we are losing youths because they are bored with doctrine … and do not care for the narrow paths. However, I see more industry in the camp of the antichrist to see that every conceivable and subtle alternative and substitute is consistently projected through all possible media including the internet… while the Church remains too cocooned in tradition to understand and respond to the issues and strategise accordingly.
How is strategy typically formulated ? You may want to consider some thoughts to structure an approach for a Digital media strategy as it relates to your area of influence after much prayer and seeking God’s direction.
- Understand the context of the battle i.e. look closely at the terrain you desire to impact for Christ… Be candid to note strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats facing the Church. Understand the alternatives and arguments being proposed to capture the minds of saints…and close substitutes offered. Understand the strategy of the enemy.
- Detail the issues facing the Church within the context of the digital space…as well as potential responses.
- Evolve a vision for the Internet as well as mission and quantifiable objectives (e.g. – hits, virtual membership, posts, online decisions etc…)
- Determine after considering the issues where the battle must be frontal i.e. direct counter positions or Bypass i.e. indirect approaches. Find niches that are very important e.g. reaching children…Another strategy is a diversionary strategy to get the enemy off-guard or diverted by a decoy and then attacking vulnerable points .
- Detail actions for each objective with timelines and resource implications…understanding that there must also be confidentiality in spiritual battles. Elements of the battle would not be openly shared.
To win this battle – the word of God must be prominent in whatever is projected on the internet. An avalanche of the undiluted word in different modes and forms is a sure battle axe. The word (not my arguments, opinions, interpretations or clever thoughts) is potent and powerful…Hebrews 4[12] For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
As Christ strengthens us and gives us His wisdom to formulate and execute His direction…we are sure to win. To do nothing is to be defeated already.
God bless you.
All that seems to be needed is basic interest in Technology (you do not have to be a techie) and a decent internet connection…and of course a passion for God and the gospel. Is it not wonderful – the endless possibilities for the gospel to be made available to people all over the world…especially to previously unreached civilisations? How about a new tool to catalyse the much needed awakening amongst comatose believers which also spreads the truths of Godliness and repentance with viral speed – bringing about the much talked about Revival we have been longing and praying for years to see.