Be Holy In All Your Conduct Online

    A few years ago, my daughter competed in the big school board-wide track & field event. She was given a sports jersey to wear with her school’s name emblazoned across the front of it.  The staff and students of her school expected her to do her best, compete fairly, and exhibit good sportsmanship because she was representing them; her behaviour and her words, good or bad, reflect on her school because of the name she wears.

    We wear a name too, every day: “Christian”

    What we say and how we behave reflects, good or bad, on the church and on God’s reputation.

    Sadly, I think we sometimes forget that when we are using social media.  

"I will set nothing wicked before my eyes..." 

(Psalm 101:3a NKJV)

    The world is at our fingertips. Social media has become the norm for everyday communication. News broadcasters use most every platform; celebrities, businesses, educators, and the average person can as well.

    As with all things, social media can be used for good and it can be used for evil.

    So, how do you remain “holy in all your conduct” while online?

    First and foremost, pay attention. Do you look like the rest of the world in your interests, likes, shares, and reactions?

    Let’s use Facebook as an example. Consider what you are about to post:

1.  Is it an angry rant? Before you post read: Ephesians 4:26, 29-31, Proverbs 22:24-25, and Colossians 3:8
2.  Is it a complaint/criticism? Before you post: please read Ephesians 4:26, 29-31, Colossians 3:12-13. Forgive instead of unloading on your innocent friends.
3.  Do your words exhibit holiness?

    Look at what you are about to share… Whether it’s a meme, a video, or a post, does it include cuss words or swear words? Does it contain nudity drawn or photographic? Does it use abbreviations for swearing or for God’s name? Does the original poster’s name contain anything rude/offensive (it will appear alongside your name in the post when you share it)? Does it make fun of someone? If you answer yes to ANY of the above, don’t share it.

    Okay, maybe you’re not sharing something, maybe you are only ‘liking’ or ‘reacting’ (positively) to something someone else has shared – ask yourself the same questions, if you answer yes to any of them, please don’t like it or react positively to it. You may also want to stop and ask yourself why you find it funny or why you like it… Does it represent a follower of God? Does it reflect well on you as a Christian, or on the church?

    Many will write this off as frivolous or meaningless, but if we wear the name Christian, we represent God to everyone around us offline AND online! Are we damaging God’s reputation because we are careless about our online behaviour?

    Let’s take the time to consider that even though you may be in the privacy of your own home (or place of business, or wherever), you are likely FB friends with other members of your congregation. Is the post you share or the post you like/react to going to encourage them and/or reinforce their confidence in your holiness? Or will they become disheartened and wonder who exactly they’ve been worshiping with all these years? And what benefit are you to others who need to find God, if you look just like the rest of the world – please stop putting your light under a basket – shine appropriately for God! Make good use of the time you have and make careful decisions while using social media platforms (Ephesians 5:15-17)!

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, 

that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy,

acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.

And do not be conformed to this world,

but be transformed by the renewing of your mind,

that you may prove what is that good and acceptable

and perfect will of God." (Romans 12:1-2 NKJV)

 

"Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved,

what manner of persons ought you to be 

in holy conduct and godliness..." 

(2 Peter 3:11 NKJV)