#17 Culture | Ghosting Truth

Dr. Stephen Phinney: Ghosting in digital communications is more than just a social inconvenience; it is a reflection of a broader tendency to avoid accountability and Biblical truths.

"Ghosting" reflects an intentional lack of communication and closure, often leaving the other person “hanging,” feeling confused and disregarded.

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Listen to the podcast version: Brought to you by Dr. Thomas Ryan.

The malicious act of "Ghosting," the abrupt cessation of communication without explanation or confirmation, is not just a modern cultural relationship phenomenon—it's an act of, at times, purposeful rudeness, especially towards well-meaning communicators. When someone invests their time and emotional energy into connecting with another, only to be met with silence, it creates a sense of confusion, hurt, and disrespect. Ghosting undermines the fundamental principles of courtesy and consideration, leaving the affected individuals questioning their worth and the integrity of the one who vanished.

COVERT REJECTION

It's staggering to think that ghosting has infiltrated 91% of all digital communications! This trend not only highlights the growing reliance on digital interactions but also underscores an alarming shift in how people handle conflicts and maintain relationships online.

The prevalence of ghosting serves as a reminder of the importance of fostering empathy and respect even within the virtual realms we navigate daily.

Ghosting: Avoiding Biblical Truths in the Digital Age

In the digital age, ghosting has become a prevalent phenomenon affecting many aspects of our lives, from personal relationships to professional interactions. Ghosting, defined as the abrupt cessation of communication without explanation, as well as not responding to those who communicate effectively, particularly with Truth, reflects a deeper societal issue—one that involves avoiding confrontations, responsibilities, and, in some cases, the Biblical truths stated in the Holy Word.

TRUTH GHOSTING

Why are we seeing an era of fewer salvations and spiritual growth through evangelism & Biblical discipleship?

Truth ghosting, the act of abruptly cutting off communication without explanation, is more than a social faux pas—it's fostering a cultural society that is becoming increasingly dormant and passive. By avoiding direct Biblical confrontation and accountability, individuals are rejecting the very principles of transparency, truth of Yeshua, and responsibility that Biblical absolutes call for. This pervasive avoidance behavior undermines the foundations of honest and meaningful relationships within the Body of Christ, leading to a church society that shies away from the hard but necessary truths found in God’s absolutes. As a result, the moral fabric that encourages spiritual growth and integrity is being eroded, replaced by a culture of evasion and superficial spirituality.

Don’t tell me what to do!

The cultural attitude of independence, while depraved in many respects, is inadvertently fostering the modern-day phenomenon of ghosting. In a society that champions self-reliance and personal freedom, there is often a reduced sense of obligation to maintain consistent common-sense communication or to provide closure in relationship discussions. This mindset encourages individuals to prioritize their own convenience and “emotional” comfort over the consideration of others, making it easier to simply disappear without explanation. As a result, ghosting becomes a way to avoid the discomfort of difficult conversations, leaving a trail of unresolved conflicts and emotional distress in its wake.

Matthew 16:19: "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."

That's a powerful reminder. It's easy to get caught up in the busyness of everyday life and overlook the lasting impact our choices and actions can have. The Bible often emphasizes this connection, urging believers to live with an eternal perspective. Thus, every word that comes out of the mouth of man, or lack thereof, is recorded on Heaven’s side.

Since Yeshua/Jesus IS the Truth, ghosting Truth has serious consequences on the day of Judgement - it is literally attempting to bind the mouth of Christ.

Matthew 12:36-37 (ESV) says: "I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."

This verse emphasizes that our words, or lack of them, are significant and will be accounted for on the day of judgment. Anyone who suppresses the Word of Truth in an authentic believer, particularly prophets, is covertly deleting God’s spoken Word.

If anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book. (Revelation 22:19)

The Rise of Truth Ghosting

As I stated, ghosting has infiltrated nearly 91% of all digital communications, indicating a shift in how people handle conflicts and maintain relationship communications. This avoidance behavior is particularly troubling when it extends to matters of indwelling faith and Biblical accountability. Ghosting, in this context, becomes a way to evade the convicting truths and the demands of a righteous life as outlined in the Bible.

People tend to think that by silencing Truth sayers, they silence God. It does not!

Biblical Truths on Accountability

The Bible emphasizes the importance of accountability and honest communication. For instance, Matthew 18:15-17 instructs believers to address conflicts directly and seek reconciliation: "If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother." In our discipleship modalities, that is primarily done online, the platform for muting others who make us uncomfortable. Ghosting directly contradicts this teaching by avoiding honest dialogue and leaving issues unresolved, which advances a passive and rude culture.

The Implications of Ghosting

By ghosting, individuals bypass opportunities for growth, repentance, and maturity. Proverbs 27:6 states, "Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy." This verse highlights those true friends, and by extension, true believers, should offer correction and guidance, even when it is uncomfortable. Ghosting undermines this principle by promoting avoidance and superficial interactions and worse yet, vacating the relationship - on or offline.

Avoiding Indwelling Conviction

One of the reasons ghosting is so prevalent is the discomfort associated with facing personal shortcomings and the truths presented in the Scriptures, resulting in defaulting to independence, I am my own god. Hebrews 4:12 reminds us that, "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." The Word of God has the power to convict and transform, but ghosting allows individuals to evade this process, resulting in spiritual stagnation or depravity.

Ghosting in digital communications is more than just a social inconvenience; it is a reflection of a broader tendency to avoid accountability and Biblical truths - avoiding the person of Yeshua.

As indwelt believers of Christ, we are called to engage in honest, transparent, and loving communication that closes the gap in dialogues. By confronting the behavior of ghosting and embracing the teachings of the Bible, we can cultivate relationships that are rooted in truth and faithfulness, both in the digital world and beyond.

Do this and promote life, do it not, and promote the ghosting culture that dominates our present society. “Dump and go” is a relationship killer.