Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions. Proverbs 18:2 NIV
In my last blog, I shared that the church has always used the technology of the day to evangelize the world; using paper and pen, radio, television, computers, and social media. Whatever is being used to engage the minds and hearts of people, we the church need to use to reach them, much as the enemy does. With that, I have a few other “opinions” or “advice” for those in the church in regards to using social media.
Things to remember when using social media:
- Social media can be a powerful platform for global evangelism. It is a venue, which can glorify God, edify the saints, and convict the lost. However, there are certain personal, church, and ministry communications that should not be shared on social media. If in doubt, do not post it!
- We should never post things that show the church, the pastor, or the members in a negative light. If we have a problem with people in the church, we should handle it in the manner in which Jesus recommended in the word, not on social media. (See Matthew 18)
- Communicate clearly. It is important to say what you mean as clearly as possible so that you are not misunderstood.
- If it appears that what you are saying invokes an argument try and defuse the situation in a way that glorifies God.
- Never use profane language or get involved in name calling or attacking people. These are not behaviors that demonstrate the love of Jesus!
- Use wisdom. Approach controversial subjects with caution and with love. If you pray before you post, you may find that what you wanted to say is different from what you are led to say. (Galatians 5:16)
- If you are getting angry and irritated,STOP posting! Just leave the site and regroup! (Colossians 4:6)
- Avoid being flippant while posting on important subject matters. “A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion” (Proverbs 18:2). Again, wisdom is prudent in communication! Just because you don’t care, doesn’t mean others won’t. So avoid a flippant attitude when on social media.
- If something really bothers you and you know the individually personally, send them a private message or give them a personal phone call. Sometimes things just get misunderstood in the heat of the moment.
- The object is to win the lost, not the argument. To win friends, and influence people! So know when to walk away!
One last thing: friends!
Everyone likes having friends on Facebook and followers on Twitter. The more the merrier. But in the case of the believer, everyone who wants to be your “friend” or “follower” doesn’t need to have access to you.
Friends and followers who use profanity, say ungodly things, makes rude comments about the people of God or the church, may need to be removed from your social page. Your friends and followers who have the ability to comment on your page should have respect for the things that you respect.
With this blog, I hope I am making it crystal clear that I am a Christian and therefore a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, thus the name wonderfuljesus.blog. I have absolutely no intentions of making an apology for my stand. It’s my blog. If that’s not your opinion, then you simply should not read it.
Having said that, I am not interested in tearing down others to express myself. I reread all posts several times before I hit post. I want to represent Him well. I believe all Christians should do the same thing before they post. Yes, it’s your page! Yes, you can say and do what you want! But as a Christian, we are told to do all to the glory of God, and I believe that includes using social media. Wonderful Jesus!
Wonderful Jesus! 