Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Posting and Tweeting


“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.  And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:29-32 NIV)

On Saturday, Marcus Smart, star guard for the Oklahoma State Cowboys, shoved a fan in the stands and was suspended for three games.  One well-respected coach speculated social media played a role in the incident.  Tom Izzo of Michigan State said players are constantly bombarded with critical tweets and posts.  They hear it not only from the stands, but also online, which he says is very difficult for players to deal with day in and day out.  

Perhaps if Paul were writing today, he would add, “let no unwholesome tweets or posts go out from your phones.”  It is so easy to be critical when not face to face with someone.  This was true in Paul’s day; it is true in ours.  But what has changed is, with social media not only can one be critical in the presence of a few friends, but with hundreds, thousands, or even millions of people.  I recall a couple of years ago, during the presidential election, a Facebook friend posted a message skewering another friend for her political position.  That message was seen by hundreds of others.  Imagine how she felt.  He posted an apology, but the damage was done.  

We must be on our guard as followers of Jesus not to follow the trend of the world to be quick with negative tweets and posts.  We follow the One of Whom it is said, “A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.” (Isaiah 42:3)  With everything we say or post, we should strive to lift up, not tear down.

Today, know that you are to do everything “in the name of the Lord Jesus" (Colossians 3:17).  The next time you are tempted to post or tweet something disparaging, this would be a good thing to remember.  

© Jim Musser 2014

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