Rant Over
People have gathered a lot of confidence in sharing thoughts on social media platform over the years. I am just as guilty. Still, 2020 has topped the charts in the viscous banter that I see. I know.. I know.. I could just not get online. Occasionally, I do shut it all down. Regardless, I especially want this message in the hands of my fellow believers.
“I tell you, on the day of judgement people will give an account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:2636-37
There are folks who will slow down enough to ask the question, “Should I post that?”. There are others do not. I believe that the reflection above is not enough and allows the status’ author to give a fuzzy yes or no answer without much more thought. We must require more accountability of ourselves if we are ever to end the battles that are held online and move toward unity and, at least, civility.
Ask stronger questions before posting that rant.
“Why is it important that I post this?” Be ready to support your post with that why. You don’t necessarily owe any person an explanation beyond your post in and of itself but we are accountable to God with our words as the verse quoted above determines.
“Why is it important that this point be made through my voice?” Are you the one who should be speaking on some given matter that is so important and why?
“Am I looking for a certain result to come from my statements? If so, to what end am I fighting or do I just need a response from others?”
“Will this statement that I am making prompt Heavenly victory or a worldly victory?”
After dealing with all of these questions, think in terms of real life scenarios. If all of social media crashed, would my thoughts be worth calling people to make out loud? Would I randomly show up to someone’s home, whether they are a friend, acquaintance or stranger who knows one of my other friends to knock on their door and make my proclamation? I’d venture further to ask, would I bring an audience of random people with me who may support or argue the point so the tenant could join in on the conversation? Probably not.
So let’s be wise in what we elect to blast across social media, consider our desired outcome, honor God and honor the people that He created. Don’t let the church itself become its own enemy. There is enough warfare attacking the church without us helping the oppressors tear us apart.
Perhaps I am overthinking things. Fair enough, but I’d rather be an over-thinker than an over-speaker. Friends, we can do better. I want us, as Christ’s ambassadors, to exhibit the fruit of the spirit in all that we do so to honor God and obey His commands.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.” Galatians 5:22-26
“Be kind to one another and build each other up.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11