Have you ever started to respond to something on a friend's timeline and stopped? How about writing a full response on social media - then after rereading it you deleted it before anyone else saw your words? I have done the same thing, numerous times!
TO POST OR NOT TO POST?
See I realize now, not every topic needs my input. Sometimes someone has already said what I want to say, other times there is really NOTHING good to say that will help anyone... I would just be venting. There is a difference in having fun with someone on their post and having a laugh, it is another thing to say or do something in jest that can hurt someone else, cause confusion or mar the reputation of God or the Body of Christ. Since social media is so immediate, we should stop and ask ourselves.. "Should I post this or not? Who will it help? Who will it hurt?"
BAND WAGONS!
One reason we may post without thinking is we like band wagons. We like to pull our posse together to 'like' what we are upset about, or give us input to make us feel better that someone is on our side. We don't often post our shortcomings unless it is to get sympathy for being honest, or a true ministry moment... but if we can post about someone else's shortcomings, we get responses from many who identify with our point of view. The truth is every post, every comment, every share says something about US. It says what our focus is, what moves us and what gets us mad. It also sheds light on our level of spiritual maturity or the lack there of. Examples:
- Posting angry words about a person in a check out line reflects YOU. Their poor service reflects them.
- Posting photos of someone in an embarrassing setting says something about YOU. The fact that they have to live with their embarrassment is their issue.
- Talking about a minister or church that is struggling in their presentation reflects YOU. Getting better and learning to represent God is their issue.
- Giving personal info about an EX and how horrible they are reflects YOU. Their poor character or lack of discipline reflects them.
God is not going to judge us for what others do,
He will judge us for what WE do... even on social media.
Social Media is not bad in itself, it is really what we make it. In these times as believers, we have to understand that putting everything and every thought we have out there is not wise. The bible says "A fool vents all of his anger, but a wise man brings himself under control." Prov 29:11
If we want to be effective as believers, we have to consider what the word of God says about how we talk or POST. Remember everything we say reflects us, what we post God knows the place it comes from and there are people who know you as a believer and your actions reflects whether or not God gets glory or blame. Ultimately, it will say something good, or something negative about you. When people do not have the benefit of your presence, your words take on a greater meaning. Take full advantage of social media, it is a great means to reach people you will never stand in front of. But when you post, post responsibly, considering Jesus, considering Others, and considering Yourself! Post with ~JOY!
No comments:
Post a Comment