Honoring God on Facebook

Facebook in itself is not a bad thing, but it’s very important how we choose to use it. It can be a powerful tool for ministry, or it can be extremely negative. Either way, it’s an honest unveiling of character. “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” (Proverbs 18:21)


What we need to STOP doing on Facebook:


Vague rants and calling people out. If you have an issue with someone, go to them directly… not directly on their Facebook page, but privately and in person, rather. “If our brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.” (Matthew 18:15)

Language and adult humor. Frankly, these posts are unnecessary and we need to be especially mindful of anything a young person may see in their news feed. Your posts go out to everyone on your friend list, young and old. If we want to see a change in our younger generation, we need to set that example ourselves. “In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.” (Titus 2:7-8)

Trying to be someone you’re not. If you wouldn’t say it in real life, you probably shouldn’t say it online either. “If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.” (James 1:26)

Debates in the comment section. They almost always end badly and nobody’s opinion is going to change by fighting about it. If you’re going to have that deep of a discussion with someone, consider taking that to a private chat box instead. Not everything needs to be or should be public. “Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.” (2 Timothy 2:23-24)


What we need to START doing on Facebook:

 
Shine the light of Christ on and off of Facebook. Actions are the overflow of the heart. When you post and interact with your friends, let your love for Christ shine through. “The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45)

Encourage each other. It’s uplifting to lift others up! I just wish more people realized that. Putting other people down not only hurts others, but you as well. “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29)

Use wisdom in your words. “My mouth will speak words of wisdom; the utterance from my heart will give understanding.” (Psalm 49:3)

Be slow to speak. Much too often we post something without thinking first. Take time to listen before anything else, because hastiness usually makes for messy situations. “My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.” (James 1:19-20)

The beauty of Facebook is that before you ever post a single thing, you can look back at what you wrote. I honestly don’t think we take advantage of that near as much as we should. There are many questions to ask yourself before posting, but I think these three really capture the big picture:

Is it necessary?

Is it kind?

Is it holy?


Social media is permanent. Sure you could delete something you regret posting, but once someone’s seen it, you can’t take it back. It’s like trying to put toothpaste back in the tube – next to impossible. Be extremely careful about what you choose to post permanently.
 
I think Thumper sums it up pretty well… “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say nothing at all.”

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