Let’s not be people who huddle in our virtual world to talk about the corruption in our cities, the injustices in our country and the brokenness in our world, but never close the computer to act on them.
Before you post, ask if your time would be better spent acting on the words instead of writing them?
5. Am I allowing social media to create (or amplify) frustration and discontent?
Growing up, I had a bad temper. Yes, I fit the redhead stereotype. And in many ways, I am so thankful social media wasn’t around in my high school and early college years. No telling how many anger bombs I would have thrown at the world.
But there are hotheads and people filled with discontent who must deal with the reality I never had to. With the click of a button, you could post something that forever changes your life or the life of someone else.
So, here’s a general rule: Stay away from social media if you are discontent, frustrated or upset. Social media only amplifies these problems. And to be honest, social media often creates them. There have been occasions when a great day became a sucky one because I saw a cynical comment or an uninformed rant. Social media can be a great tool, but it is not a tool for cultivating gratitude and contentment.
If life has you feeling discontent or upset for any reason, put the phone down. Get alone with God. Let the creator of gratitude (and all good things) renew your spirit.
6. Will this post glorify God?
This is the trump card. Or trump question. Do you have a right to comment on every post? Absolutely. This is “‘Merica.” Should you comment on every post? The Apostle Paul gives us the answer.
“All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. —1 Corinthians 10:23
So, before you post that comment or picture for the world, ask yourself, “Is this beneficial?” Or more specifically, “Will this glorify God?”
How radically different would the social media landscape look if only beneficial posts were allowed? What if every submit or tweet button was followed by a screen asking you to confirm that the post you are about to publish is beneficial? How different might our culture look? How many reputations would still be intact? How many arguments would be avoided?
Before you post, ask yourself these questions: “Is this beneficial? Will this glorify God?” If you can’t answer yes, it’s probably best to scrap the post.
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Social media has changed the game. And even though we must get in the game, let’s not enter the game without guidelines. Games without guidelines create chaos. And someone usually ends up getting hurt.
With a few guidelines, however, social media can be an incredibly useful tool for everything from growing your relationships to enhancing your business.
Let’s litter social media with words and pictures that make the world a better place and show others the glory of God.
WHAT DO YOU THINK? DO YOU HAVE GUIDELINES FOR USING SOCIAL MEDIA? LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW AND LET’S CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION.
I love you all. To God be the glory forever. Amen!
