We’ve all entered this surreal, never-before-navigated world
of social media. We’ve been given a giant
megaphone to say anything, post anything, and share anything. But none of us grew up learning online
etiquette. So, we're bound to make some
mistakes.
As Christians, we’ve also been given a wonderful witnessing
tool through Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, ect.
People are watching us, and we can have a profound impact on
people—planting seeds of encouragement, humor, truth, family values, and hope.
Of course, we’re not perfect! We don’t always realize
that we could be blowing our own testimony (or be making people really want to unsubscribe/ unfollow us) with the following online habits:
Daily complaints and gripes. The occasional posting of a problem makes you a real person and can get people praying for you. That’s a good thing. But daily? Is your life really that bad?? Really???
Political rants. Not everyone agrees with your political
position, and this can be a big turn off to an unbeliever who doesn’t
understand where you’re coming from.
Moderation & wisdom is a must in this arena, because truth is needed
and we do need to stand up for righteousness.
Choose your issues and your battles wisely.
Sharing sexy pics.
You look great in a bikini, and you just
had an awesome time at the beach. So why
not share your pics? Please remember
your Christian brothers may struggle in this area. Their wives may not appreciate it
either! Modesty is a beautiful thing (I Tim. 2:9)
Posting multiple pics
daily of your family. Every single day
we get to see every single activity your family was involved in. Ok, we get it.
Your family is beautiful.
Passive aggressive
posts against. . . well, we’re not sure who you’re referring to. But you get us thinking and imagining, “Who
are they talking about? Are they talking about me? Are they mad at me?”
Posting too much.
Get a life! Get off your phone & computer
occasionally. We’ve all seen the person
who posts multiple times a day—“getting a coffee, eating lunch w/ Sam, just
signed up for a 5-k, picking up kids after school, at soccer practice, can’t sleep, etc.” Then there’s the stalker who comments on
every single post you put up. Everything
in moderation people!
Take a minute to think before you post.
I’m sure not saying I’ve got this whole social media thing
figured out. I regularly check myself and my attitude when I’m about to share something; sometimes I ask myself,
“Will posting this help anyone? Will posting this do any harm?" We all must carefully navigate this
relatively new world of social media.
You can’t miss if you
follow the Philippians 4:8 rule: Finally, brothers and sisters,
whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or
praiseworthy--think about such things.”
If your posts reflect this verse, you will be that “salt” and “light”
that God has called us to be.
What bugs you about social media?
