Life has felt scary recently, especially since October 7th. Despite the incredible blessings in my life – my sweet family, my job, and the privilege of living in God’s Land – being Israeli has put my extended family and me in the spotlight. And not a warm, calm reading light. More like a blinding searchlight, exposing us to hatred, bigotry, violence, and anti-Semitism. It’s a challenging reality to navigate. Life is incredibly beautiful, and yet the increasing anti-semitic trends are very disturbing. The social media trend “All Eyes on Rafah” particularly impacted me when it began circulating in response to a tragic fire that broke out in Rafah following an Israeli airstrike against Hamas terrorists on May 27th, who were preparing to attack Israeli forces. The campaign, which was shared over 45 million times in just 48 hours, aimed to draw global attention to Palestinian suffering. But it did so by completely exonerating the source: Hamas terrorists! Instead, it demonized the only Jewish state, the ones defending themselves – and the Western world – against literal, actual evil. It’s apparently always Opposite Day in anti-Israel camps – as they flip good and evil on their heads. Ironically (or maybe, predictably?), a counter-trend – “Where were your eyes on October 7th?” – meant to draw attention to Hamas’s continued holding of hostages and attacks against Israel – was actually taken down from Instagram! Clearly, it wasn’t the “right type” of trend. All of this has left me wondering – what exactly is a trend? And of course, what does the Bible, the most trendy book of all times, have to say about trend-setting?
The side by side trends. One was trending, and one was ‘canceled.’
According to modern psychology, trends are driven by factors like social influence, emotional resonance, and the desire to be part of something bigger than oneself. In today’s age, it’s easy to hop on a trend even when it’s based on factually incorrect information. All it takes is a lapse in judgment or the intoxicating kool-aid drink of social pressure. No matter if a trend might be unsafe or misguided (or perfectly fine!). As long as it’s marketed as necessary for your happiness, or you’ll be a “better person” for following the trend, trends are considered trendy for the very reason that they’re “easy” and even fun follow.
As I pondered the nature of trends and their impact on our lives, I couldn’t help but wonder what guidance the Bible might offer on this subject. Are there any trends mentioned in the Bible that we should be wary of? More importantly, is there a positive trend that we should follow instead?
One stark trend that the Bible repeatedly warns against is idol worship. A dangerous trend that led and continues to lead many astray. Perhaps the very first trendy social construct in the world. In Exodus, God commands,
This prohibition against creating and worshipping idols emphasizes the importance of staying true to our faith and true to our one God, even when the allure of popular practices and beliefs may tempt us otherwise.
One could argue that the original anti-trend setter was none other than Abraham himself. As the first monotheistic leader, Abraham boldly rejected the idolatrous practices of his time. According to Midrashic tradition, he even went as far as smashing the trendy idols in his father’s shop, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the belief in one God. Abraham’s courageous act of defiance set the stage for the Jewish people’s enduring faith and their resistance to the temptations of idol worship, and trends antithetical to their beliefs, no matter how popular it may have been.
Similarly, in Deuteronomy we’re cautioned:
This verse reminds us to resist the pull of trends that contradict our values and beliefs, no matter how widespread they may become.
But amidst the fleeting trends of the world, there is one trend that we should always follow: God’s eyes are on Israel, and He will always protect us. This powerful concept is beautifully captured in Deuteronomy 11. It states:
No matter what the world says or does, God’s loving gaze is forever fixed on Israel and its people. That is more than a trend: it is an enduring truth.
This theme of God’s unwavering protection and care for Israel is woven throughout the Bible.
This beautiful imagery reminds us that Israel is always on God’s mind and in His heart.
In a world where trends come and go faster than we can keep up, it’s comforting to know that God’s love and protection for Israel is the one constant we can always rely on. It’s a promise that transcends time, place, and circumstance – a divine guarantee that we can hold onto no matter what the future and fashion may bring. So, let’s keep our eyes fixed on the only trend that truly matters – the eternal truth of God’s unwavering devotion to Israel and its people. May this knowledge be a source of strength, comfort, and inspiration for us all, now and always. Psalms captures it beautifully.
My own version of the “popular” eyes on trend
Allowing a Palestinian terror state in the heart of Israel would destroy the Jewish State.
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