Part 1: Is this post pleasing to God?

Social media has been a huge gift in my life. I have reconnected and interacted with people that distance and time have long separated. I enjoy renewing friendships from the past and deepening friendships with those who live near me today. However, social media has not just be a gift, it has also been a source of frustration, contention, and offense for many people. Over the next few days I would like to discuss how Christians, especially church leaders should conduct themselves on social media.

Psalm 19:14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.

The Psalmist had a deep conviction that his words were meaningful and an avenue to bring glory to God. The psalmist was aware that God was an audience to every word he said and even the ones He simply thought. If what we say and what we think are on God’s radar, then certainly what we type catches His attention also. One of the problems with social media is that there is this popular attitude that believes sharing communication on social media is not the same as saying it in person. I completely disagree. If you watch the news much today, you will see that the news media and people in general consider a tweet or a post a direct quote from the person typing the message.

Christians should understand that the words that they type carry just as much weight in promoting and discrediting the Kingdom of God as the words that they say. When speaking out loud, someone may give you the benefit of the doubt regarding whether they heard you correctly. With social media, your statement is there to be rehearsed, shared, and seen by many people who you may not even know exist. What you share on social media may be considered to be weightier than the spoken word because it is out there forever. With that thought in mind, shouldn’t believers ensure that their communication is bringing honor to God?

Today’s Challenge: Focus on making all communication pleasing to God. Before you hit “post” ask the Lord if what you are about to write brings honor to Him. Remember that as a believer your life is not just about you. You represent Him.