We live in perplexing times. Perhaps nothing so perplexes me or vexes me as a pastor than some of the comments I see Christians and church leaders make on social media such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or other platforms. While my expectations are quite low when it comes to the secular world, Christians are held to a higher standard. They should be. They represent Christ.
Don’t misunderstand me. I don’t expect that a Facebook post or Tweet that is biblical will please or receive the approval of a lost and broken world. We don’t seek the world’s approval on issues like Abortion, Traditional Marriage, Critical Theory, Intersectionality, etc. At the same time, no Christ-follower should go out of their way to poke their metaphorical finger in the eye of the opposition. Paul warns us in Colossians about our speech, “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person (Colossians 4:6).” As a Christian you represent Christ. When you speak rashly or unwisely your conduct reflects poorly on Him. How then shall we speak, or write? God’s word says:
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. (Ephesians 4:29)
What’s this mean for you? Your written or spoken word should not be provocative, things like “get a life…” The aim is to build others up, not tear them down. As you write and speak, give consideration into the environment in which you step. Is what you are about to write or say going to improve things? Does it suit the occasion given all that is going on at that moment in cyberspace or in life. Does it make things worse? Will what you are saying or writing make things better? Proverbs warns us not to answer a fool according to his folly lest you become like him (or her).
Notice the wording “that it may give grace to those who hear.” Often we are tempted (I know I am) to do it unto others because they did it unto me. That’s returning evil for evil not overcoming evil with good (Romans 12:21). That’s sin in God’s sight, according to God’s Word. “Pushing back” involves falling into the trap of repaying evil for evil—which God opposes. Proverbs tells us that that words of the rash are like the thrusts of a sword but in contrast the tongue of the wise (the words of the wise) bring healing. Jesus meant what He said when He said, “Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted.” If you see something you dislike because it’s wrong, don’t add fuel to the fire. Instead, cultivate a godly grief over the sin you see. Jesus meant what He said when He said, “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called children of God.” When you make comments online are you trying to one-up the opposition or are you trying to reason with them peacefully. Are you using sarcasm and insults?
God says to us through His Word in Colossians 3:8, “8 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.” Don’t confuse your nationality or politics with Christianity. It’s okay to be patriotic. It’s okay to have an opinion. But never confuse patriotism or your political party as being synonymous with Christianity. Paul writes when I was a child I use to reason like a child… when I became a man I put away childish things. Be certain not to act childishly online. It’s doubtful you’ll change anyone’s opinion. Most likely, you’ll only make things worse. Be Christlike. You don’t have the right to vent. Venting is a worldly concept inconsistent with Christianity. Be careful.
Don’t act like the world. Friendship with the world is hostility toward God. Your life is not your own. You were purchased with a great price—the shed blood of the Son of God. Therefore, do your best to govern yourself accordingly. Want an easy test? Before you write or speak ask yourself this, “Is what I’m about to write or say going to bring God pleasure?” If in doubt—don’t say or write it. Disagree if others if you must but do so graciously. The world is watching (and so is Jesus). Please be careful, thoughtful, and Christ-like.