I must admit, I’m a social media fan. I also must confess; it is sort of a daily habit. Occasionally I will take a day to detox.
I have connected with friends and acquaintances that I had lost contact with for too many years. Doing catch up on their children, grandchildren, hearing the stories of their journeys has been a precious gift.
That being said, we have all observed that it can become a platform for almost any issue or agenda.
An issue that has concerned me of late are the manner in which Christians verbalize their political opinions and are using this tool as a platform to complain. Social media can be used for arguments of any issue from politics, sports and religion.
We are blessed to live in a democratic society where we have freedom of speech, and the right to vote the political party that most expresses our values. As Christian leaders in our society, we need to be even more aware of the messages we send out.
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When Paul instructed us as to how to treat those in authority, he was living under Roman rule, who hated and killed Christians. He instructed us in Romans 13;
Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves…….for the one in authority is God’s servant; and he continues through verse 7 with instructions as to how we are to respond to those in authority.
Praying for those in authority is a biblical command. 1 Timothy 2:2 tells us to pray for kings and all who are in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives.
When Jesus was approached by the Pharisees regarding paying taxes, he instructed them to give to Caesar what belonged to him and to God what belongs to God.
Are we seeking to glorify God in social media? That doesn’t mean we are to preach a sermon or give a thought for the day. If we want to do that, then we can start our own ‘Thought for Today” sight and have people subscribe. It may be somewhat humiliating if we were depending on our followers to make us feel accomplished!
Does our speech build up or tear down? James 3:10 tells us that it is not beneficial for praise and cursing to come out of the same mouth. Social media is rampant with gossip, pessimism and complaining.
May the words of my mouth and the medication of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14
Do people see the light of Christ in us based on what we post? Matt 5:16; Let your light so shine before others, that they may see your good deed and glorify your Father in heaven. While it isn’t necessary to give the four spiritual laws on your page there can be amazing opportunities to tell your story about God’s grace.
The following is a prayer I found on my facebook newsfeed shortly after our present Prime Minister was elected. I very seldom share newsfeeds; however, I did this one.
Lord, whisper to his heart, and the hearts of our new leaders,
Light in him a new fire of Holy accountability and fill his dreams with visions of Your will that cannot be shaken off upon waking.
His idealism and inexperience are strengths. Take this soft clay and shape it. Take this raw ore and refine it. His newness to the vicious arena of politics has not yet hardened him with cynicism or bitterness.
Lord direct his feet in the way they should go.
Give him eyes to see what you have him to see.
Surround him with wise counsel; let him hear it and embrace it.
Protect his marriage and his children.
Protect his body and his mind.
Lord shape him into a champion
Amen
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