Is This a Good Post?

It’s been hard to stay connected with people lately apart from online conversations. In recent months, social media use has exploded.But so has its misuse. The seeds of affairs have been planted, as have the seeds of discord. We’ve learned that you can say anything online that you want, without accountability, and some will believe it and even jump on board. Conspiracy theories abound, dueling views on COVID, masks, schools resuming, racial issues, police brutality, etc. I’m amazed at the keyboard courage people gain when not directly addressing their audience.But when it comes to your social media activity, is Jesus Lord?Almost every time I get online, at some point, I’m shaking my head, thinking, “Why would they post that?”Some posts make the poster look selfish; some immature; some make them look foolish; and some, just plain nasty.As a follower of Jesus, is Facebook within the sphere of things that you submit to him for his approval? Or is this one of those areas where you think he just wouldn’t understand, or is simply off limits for Jesus?Are you really a follower of Jesus? At all times and in every aspect of your life? Or only when and where he’s trending?Here are some good questions to ask before you hit that “post” button:

• Is this to make me look good…better than I really am?
• Is this an attempt to get other people to pay attention to me?
• Will this encourage and/or lift up the reader and the people I’m talking about?
• Will this help the world, or even my sphere of it, be better?
• Is this honoring God and exalting Jesus?

These are not only good questions to ask before posting, but any time we communicate with others. The Apostle Paul posted in Ephesians 4:29 (NIV), “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.”This doesn’t mean there is no place for humor, updating friends on events in our lives, or pondering observations. I think all of those things can be a beneficial use of social media, because we can all be uplifted by them to some degree. But the bottom line for any of our communication, whether in person, on social media, by phone or texting, should always be, “Am I honoring/pleasing my Lord with this and am I blessing the person I’m talking to?” If not, it may be best to keep that thought in private, and voice it alone to God in prayer.Now…share this post so your friends will know of your intentions. 🙂