Cancelled

I was recently doing an Easter video, so I was using a certain AI app to create images of Jesus for editing the video. However, I kept on getting code of conduct violations and I wasn’t sure what to do. I was trying to figure out different prompts, but it seemed not to be liking them. It would not give me an image of Jesus on the cross because it was too violent. It didn’t create one of Jesus stripped of His clothes in His underwear carrying the cross because I was told that was nudity. Not knowing what truth of the Bible was offending this app, I tried to reword what I was asking to be more compliant, but it was to no avail. I was finally blocked across all of this company’s platforms. That meant that I couldn’t access the video that I had nearly finished editing; I couldn’t open my important files; and I couldn’t even use my sign-in information. I was locked out and couldn’t speak to a representative to have a conversation about what was happening as I had to sign-in to be able to connect with support. I have heard a lot about cancel culture and I was feeling it. But it was not by people, but by Al which feeds off of what its creators tell it. I was cancelled because it somehow thought the images of Jesus that are Biblical were offensive.

As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who feeds on Me will live because of Me. This is the bread which came down from heaven—not as your fathers ate the manna, and are dead. He who eats this bread will live forever.” These things He said in the synagogue as He taught in Capernaum. Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this, said, “This is a hard saying; who can understand it?” When Jesus knew in Himself that His disciples complained about this, He said to them, “Does this offend you? John 6:57-61

Many of Jesus’ Jewish followers left Him because they were disgusted at the thought of eating His flesh and drinking His blood, even though He had told them that this would be the way to have eternal life. This was against their Jewish code of conduct, so they would have nothing to do with Him anymore.

Sometimes we like the AI app and the Jews are offended by the truth.  We may not understand or like Jesus’ truth. His Sermon on the Mount may have made no sense to many of His listeners because He was telling them something that was different from their own laws and traditions.

 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away. Matthew 5:38-42

Jesus seemed to have been going against all they had known. His way wouldn’t be easy to follow, but it was and still is the best way. Unfortunately, there are too many Christians who like to chose certain Bible verses to match the path they want to take and if you don’t go this way, you will be cancelled by that group. But, this won’t work. Jesus Himself is the truth, the way and the life. His way is different from the world’s way and it is not easy.

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. Matthew 7:13-14

The way to life is difficult, so this is not the world’s way because it places a high premium on comfort and ease. The world will be offended by Jesus’ teachings. And, unfortunately the world’s way has infiltrated the church to make it more palatable to attract people. The fact is, many people will be offended by Jesus. We do not need to make Him look attractive to the world so that we don’t offend it. When we do this we will water down His word that is living and active, and brings life. When we follow Jesus in spirit and truth, we may violate the world’s code of conduct and they may cancel us. But, we can rest assured that our Heavenly Father will never cancel us.