My Hot Take Usually Aren’t God’s Takes

Here at the Stone Table, we’re passionate about global missions. Sometimes, that passion can get us a little ahead of ourselves—just like Marketplace skills are also missionary skills.

A few years ago, I learned this the hard way. A headline hit the news about a man claiming to be a missionary who seemed to have done something reckless and irresponsible in another country. The details were unclear, but the way the story was initially framed frustrated me to no end. It seemed like this guy was making a mockery of legitimate missionary efforts—efforts my dear friends are undertaking to share the gospel in some of the world’s most challenging places. In the rawness of the moment, I pounded out an article, posting it online to set the record straight.

Well, it turned out my understanding of the facts was completely wrong. As the real details emerged, a pastor friend reached out with a gracious challenge. He asked, “Are you sure that caustic article is the way you want to represent yourself and the Stone Table publicly?” He was right. I pulled the article down, corrected my facts, and rethought my tone.

That experience taught me an invaluable lesson about public discourse in today’s world. We live in a time that not only encourages but often incentivizes us to comment in real time on almost everything. Thoughts we used to share only with close friends or family can now be broadcast to the entire world within seconds. The temptation is huge: if you want attention, you’re urged to jump in while the fire is still burning—hot, heavy, and sure of yourself. Unfortunately, that’s also when the facts are least clear, and our thoughts are least formed.

After that misstep, I developed an unwritten rule of thumb: My hot takes usually aren’t God’s takes. I’ve learned this the hard way over the years. When my instinct is to comment, it’s often my self-righteousness leading the way. But wisdom and grace are slower. Let me say that again: Wisdom and grace are slower.

The world doesn’t need Christ-followers who are quick on the draw; it needs Christ-followers who model the truth and tone of our Savior. So let’s strive to be voices of thoughtful wisdom and grace in our public discourse, in our homes, neighborhoods, businesses, and—especially—online.

How might the Lord be challenging you to slow down and seek His wisdom before jumping into the next hot conversation? Remember, wisdom and grace are slower.