Multimedia manipulation

As we travel this world it seems that we are inundated with countless forms of manipulation. Everywhere we turn it pops up each demanding that we do something or act in a certain way. Manipulation after manipulation some for good causes and others simply for more “shares” or “likes”. What happened to simple requests?

By the time I get to work each morning I have traversed untold number of attempts to guilt me into action. Then after ignoring those claims on my virtue the promises that I will be a much better person or much more liked if I simply do or purchase …... you know the adds. When did our lives become so prone to the reckless demands of others?

Is life simply a series of demands placed on us by others? Is leading now simply a matter of who can manipulate better? Where is compassion and the belief that people can make reasonable decision on their own? Manipulation has grown to such a degree that regardless of where you look it has seeped in.

So what can be done about it? Are we to simply ride the wave of frustration? Is there something that can be done? Yes. We can stop. As individuals we can choose to stop. No longer do we need to pass on the post or blog that promotes or uses manipulation. We can learn to recognize manipulation and instead of reacting we can choose to act. Yes we can agree with the person and choose to follow through with their request or we can choose to ignore their request without guilt.

But even more important we can take the time to breath. Manipulation is all about acting with out thought. Regardless of the demand take a moment to think, take a moment to process the demand and turn it into a request. Ask yourself if it is some thing you agree with and them respond as you desire. Manipulation only works if we let it.

As a pastor myself I ask that any teacher of the Word of God or pastor be very aware of how they teach or preach. If we descend into the pit of manipulation where will our people learn to hear the voice of God? We have the privilege of representing God so I ask that we do so with extreme care.

Each of us has the opportunity to stem the tide of manipulation in our own lives as we simply choose to stop being a part of it. We can stop, think and choose. We can decide to not be a part of it. You decide what you do, rejoice in that simple truth and let those around you do the same.

Blessings