Don’t Post It…Yet
One thing that is both a blessing and a curse about social media is that you can react to whatever you want. Your opinions can be shared. You can “like” and show support for anything. That can be a good thing.
But a lot of people–me included–need to slow down before we post.
In fact, my article today is a total redo. I had a post ready to go. What it says, I think, is right. I read it more than once and, while it could always be better, I think it told the truth about something that needs to be said.
However, I also realized it could have been seen as a subtle “hit piece” on something that I had seen on social media a few days ago. So, it went back into my drafts. Why post it when it could be taken that way (though it wasn’t) and do as much–or more–harm than good with fellow Christians? How would that reflect on the Lord’s Church?
Maybe I’ll use it in the future. Maybe I won’t.
But that little exercise reminded me that there are times–in fact, a lot of times–where not posting something is the better choice.
Be honest: does the world need to know your thoughts about everything? Is what you are saying only being shared so you can make a little dig at someone? Have you even taken a few moments to make sure that what is being said is true?
There is a time to speak, as we are reminded in the book of Ecclesiastes. Social media exacerbates that. We can talk about anything at any time…and we so easily do. Behind our laptops and phones, we feel free to just blab about anything and react to everything.
But what good is it doing? Is this upbuilding? Is it encouraging righteousness? Is it kind? Is it true? Is it something that will help others know Jesus?
Maybe we need to remember that Ecclesiastes also tells us there is a time to keep silent. And maybe we need to remember that, especially on social media.
Stop venting in public and start praying in private. Stop posting constantly and start studying Scripture fervently. Share things that are true, honorable, pure, etc. (Philippians 4:8). And, other than that? Keep silent.
It’s something I’m working on, and I pray more of us will work on it regularly.
AUTHOR: Adam Faughn
