If the reader saw the title
and immediately thought of beings that live under bridges, demand tolls to
visitors, and are deathly afraid of goats the author would like to apologize.
This is not about the mythical creatures but about individuals who love to get
your goat. The term troll got its origins from the internet generation. It
refers to individuals who, thanks in part to the anonymity of the internet,
love to annoy and degrade other human beings. These are the individuals who
will ask a question for the sole purpose of trampling all over the answer. Do
not simply assume that these individuals do not exist outside of the realm of
the biblical. There are many who will do everything to destroy the truth and
those who teach it. This could be done over the realm of the internet or in a face
to face discussion with an individual. How does one deal with those who would
act in such a manner? Moments such as these are difficult and wisdom is truly
put to the test but the Bible gives a good answer to such situations.
The Proverbs writer gives a
good answer in dealing with these individuals. “Answer not a fool according to
his folly, lest thou also be like unto him. Answer a fool according to his
folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.” (Prov. 26:4-5). One may read this
and ask, “How does this make sense? I am supposed to answer but not answer a
fool?” Think of it in this manner. If an individual responds to the gospel by
cursing and screaming how does one respond back? Does the Christian employ the
same reaction? Certainly not. What if the response is boasting on one’s part?
Hatred? Railings against the Christian? Does the Christian respond in like
manner? God forbid the Christian act in the same manner. What happens if one
does? He has lowered himself to the level of the fool and will be considered as
such by those around him. That does not mean we let the false doctrine go
unanswered. The answer is to be given with a healthy dose of love, truth, and
self-control. Always remember to present the truth with love.
Sadly, there are times when the
best response is no response at all. This is especially true when one proves to
be such a problem that dealing with them would end up being like “casting
pearls before swine” (Matt. 7:6). Paul also told Timothy, “But foolish and
unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.” (2 Tim. 2:23).
Sometimes the question that is
asked is so foolish it does not warrant a response. What about the one who does
not know the truth but is open to it? Do not ignore the false doctrine and
kindly teach them the truth. He may not accept what is presented before him but
his doctrine has been exposed and the truth presented. Therefore, he is not
allowed to be “wise in his own conceit.”
How would one sum up the
following in internet lingo? Do not feed the trolls. There are going to be
individuals who simply will try to waste your time, try to bring you down to
their level, and will work to destroy the gospel and the messenger. Sometimes
the best method is to not “feed” these individuals by losing one’s cool and
eventually, not wasting time which could be given to those who are earnestly
seeking the truth.
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