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Social Media DOs and DON’T’s

I’m so glad to see that so many people are using technology as a mission/ministry tool. Sometimes when I log in to Facebook or Twitter the inspirational quotes, scriptures, or other updates are exactly what my soul needs at that moment. At times, it’s as if God himself is saying, “Don’t give up”…”hold on”…”it’s just a test”…”I’ll see you through the storm…” and most times it really makes my day.

On the other hand, there are people who claim to be Christian, yet the write updates in a manner that totally contradicts that. They reveal personal details without tact, post negative rants, or use profanity. I’m sure they must be thinking, only my friends will see this, and maybe in some strange way this will be entertaining… (?) I don’t know, but more than your friends can see it, their friends’ friends might get it and honestly if it’s on the internet, all it takes a little cut and paste and anyone on this green earth can see it.

My question for those people are: would you want your pastor to read this? Your boss? Your mom? The fact is, it’s highly possible that they, one day could read about one of your intimate personal encounters that you chose to share the details on Facebook. While my pastor, boss, or my mom isn’t in my friend stream, the pastor’s son is, the pastor’s wife and pastors from other churches who are in contact with him – so any misconduct could be easily read by any one of these sources – Yet I see people who are also within this network who have no problem posting inappropriate status updates or comments. (???)

Maybe they just don’t know how it all works, or maybe they just don’t know that what they’re typing isn’t appropriate. They’re not purposely trying to offend people, they just don’t know any better. I was talking this over with someone one night, and she suggested that maybe somebody needs to tell them – she suggested that I tell them… who me – really?

Well, I know that different people are at different stages in their walk with Christ and because of this, a message directed solely at them may not be accepted in the right spirit. So instead of doing that, I decided to write this post – and although I’m sure the people who are reading this are probably not the type of people who post strange updates, I’m sure you know someone who does, and you can pass this on to them. Maybe it will enlighten them and they’ll re-consider or re-word their next update.

Here’s some Social Media/Internet Do’s and Don’ts

• DO post scriptures – don’t be afraid to spread God’s word. You never know who needs to hear a word from Him – they might not open the Bible, but they’ll read your update. Don’t worry about those you think might be irritated, they can always unfollow. Don’t let that hurt your feelings, everyone is free to do what they want.
• DO talk about your mistakes, but in a way that demonstrates that you’ve learned from them and that present ways that others can learn and benefit also.
• DO post POSITIVE comments and updates that will encourage, inspire and uplift others to do right; to keep striving; to keep pressing forward.
• DO whatever you can to help others via this medium. Share the work and accomplishments of others. Take the time to read what others have to say and give positive feedback.
• DON’T belittle anyone or any group. Everyone is not going to believe; everyone is not going to like what we like or do what we do – so what. You must allow God to work His change in people – you can’t change people, in fact, belittling people rarely has a change-effect, but instead causes people to run farther away.
• DON’T gossip. PERIOD.
• AVOID self-righteousness. Don’t boast about things you’ve done; money you’ve donated to charity; how much more you praise the Lord than everyone else. If you exalt yourself, you won’t be exalted by God. I’ll take God’s exaltation over my own anyday, because His rewards are magnificent.
• AVOID posting complaints and irritations – negative comments are contagious. Someone else might have been having a good morning, but after running across your angry rant, they now have become angry and are ready to bite off the head of the next person who crosses their path – all thanks to you and your negativity. Keep it to yourself I tell you. Don’t get me wrong, sometimes I want to do this, too – but it’s not worth the damage. Please contain yourself.

I pray this will help someone and foster a more positive environment online – in your corner of the internet and mine. Are their any other DOs and DON’Ts that I’ve forgotten to include? Leave your suggestions in the comment section and I’ll come back and update this post if necessary.

Be blessed abundantly!

Image: Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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