Christian Social Media Posts, part I

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"Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear." Ephesians 4:29 (NASB) 

Disclaimer: This post will cause both "Amens" and "How-dare-yous!" You have been warned...

Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are not my church. I am not the pastor, for all those on social media sites, nor are they my congregation. However there are those, whom I have the privilege of shepherding, who are on these various social media venues. They see these same things and question me about them. With this in mind, there are a few things I wish to address from a Biblical perspective. As a Disciple of Jesus, as a husband, father, and pastor-teacher, I am deeply disturbed by the "stuff" that seems to permeate among Christians within social media circles. I understand that each of us have our faults and failures, and none of us is perfect; but placing these sorts of things before all of humanity to see cripples our individual and collective witness. Someone needs to say it.

Christian Social Media posts to avoid:

(1) Acronyms - If you choose to use "OMG" you need to realize that everyone knows what that means, and using an acronym does not hide the fact that you are using God's Name in a careless manner.  In addition,  "WTF" & "LMAO", and all of their variations, and any other "hidden" profanities are still profanities.
"You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain." Exodus 20:7 (NASB) 
"Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear." Ephesians 4:29 (NASB) 

(2) Movies, Books, etc - If you choose to see movies that contain 500+ F-bombs, please do not share it through social media. This goes for demonic books surrounding vampires and the such. If you have ever prayed for someone who became demon possessed due to "harmless" books and movies you would understand.
"The eye is the lamp of the body; so then if your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light that is in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!" Matthew 6:22-23 (NASB)
 
(3) Spiritual Disciplines - If you are fasting, praying, or some other spiritual endeavor please do not share it, unless you are calling for an entire community to participate. When you publicize spiritual disciplines it removes their power.  
"Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 6:1 (NASB) 

(4) People-bashing - When you are angry at someone, running them down on social media contradicts Jesus' command to pray for our enemies and those who spitefully use us.
"But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, Matthew 5:44 (NASB) 

 (5) Lifestyle - If you are living an immoral life, and showing it to everyone, do not be surprised when people become confused and your witness becomes ineffective.
"Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water?" James 3:11 (NASB) 

part II coming soon . . .


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