Watch What You're Publishing

I’ll be the first to admit – a social butterfly, not am I. The 21^st Century is constantly pushing the envelop with technological advances that benefit mankind in so many ways, including the big fields of medicine, transportation and communication, it’s nearly impossible to keep up with it all. I got to chuckling to myself the other night while scrolling through Facebook. My first great advancement in social media was back in the 70’s when I installed a CB radio in my ‘63 Chevy pick-up. One had to have a unique “handle” (phantom name) to identify with, thus building an incognito circle of friends. On the highway everybody outside your circle was your “good buddy” with helpful information and directions, sometimes. Then there were those who were plain nasty on the air and to have a decent conversation around the big cities one had to escape to a clear channel. The best thing I did for myself was take the CB out of my vehicles. Then I bought a computer and a smart phone. Email, texting and Facebook – Enough - No more!

[Ecclesiastes 8:1] “Who is like the wise man? Who knows the explanation of things? Wisdom brightens a mans face and changes his hard appearance” A Bulletin Digest article (Feb‘17) Heart to Heart, Face to Facebook by Kerry Duke, in part, has this to say about our present 21st Century social communication: “What about the example you set before others on the internet? Does your Christian light shine on Facebook? Do you use wisdom about what you post or share? There is no question that this avenue of communication is used for good. Family, friends, and church members stay in touch. We learn about good works and good news in other congregations. We hear about needs and tragedies that cause us to pray more. We enjoy clean humor and read encouraging words. This modem marvel is even used to teach the Bible. While it can never replace face-to-face conversation, social media allows Christians to influence others for the Lord. Any form of communication can be abused. Anywhere people gather there will be good and bad. We expect the world to talk about bad things, but it is awful when Christians act like the world. Sometimes Christians post things on Facebook they shouldn’t: Bad language. There is no excuse for this. The Bible says, ‘Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen’ (Ephesians 4:29). It doesn’t matter if the story is funny. It doesn’t matter if the statement makes a good point about politics and the condition of our country. There is a right and wrong way to talk about things. You should never attach your name to cussing and profanity. Indecent photos ...Unscriptural talk. There are all kinds of sayings circulating on the internet that might sound good on the surface but are not biblical. Someone will post a statement that says we are to love people, not judge them. But that depends on what kind of judging is under consideration. If a person is talking about hypocritical judging - condemning others while doing worse -  then that is what Jesus meant when He said ‘Judge not’ (Matthew 7:1-5) ...We are commanded to ‘judge righteous judgment’ (John 7:24), and it is our duty to expose sin (Ephesians 5:11). Christians need to consider what they are saying and whom they are quoting. ...We could add to this list, things like gossiping and childish complaining. Facebook is a public arena. Let your light shine. People are watching. More importantly, God is watching.” “...They say, ‘How can God know?...” (Psalm 73) God sees and hears.