the Monday Morning Debrief: Social Media Miscues
Social Media is everywhere now. Whether it is in blogs, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr or some other form, most people are on at least one form of social media now. Because of this, whatever we say or post with a picture doesn’t really go unnoticed. You wouldn’t believe how many times I read an article about a celebrity or other person does something inappropriate on social media and thus a firestorm erupts.
But celebrities aren’t the only ones that get in trouble with social media. For example, here is a list of some that have gotten people in really hot water. These tweets are just one of the reasons why we, as leaders in ministry, have be very careful on what we say or post.
“But what’s the problem Tom? Why can’t I post whatever I want?”
There are a few different reasons why, but they all stem from the most important reason. And that is because we are salt to the world. Whatever we say or do can be used to bring God glory or bring shame upon what we believe to be true about God. That means we are a living example to others around us, whether they know us or not, of who God is and what He means to us.
In Matthew 5:13-16, Jesus says, “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Personally, I never want someone to look at my posts or tweets and be spurred on to do something that isn’t Godly or healthy. Furthermore, I never want someone to look at something I have put out on social media and think, “Well, Tom Pounder does _________ so that must mean I can do that as well”. That is why I am very careful in what I post or tweet.
Now, I know I’m not perfect and I’m sure I have posted things before that haven’t been entirely appropriate all the time. But, it is my desire and goal to post things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely and commendable. I want people to think about those things as Paul states in Philippians 4:8.
Social Media is a powerful tool for us to do some great things with it for Kingdom. But, as we have seen numerous times, it is also a very dangerous and can cause a lot of harm to you and others. It’s important that everything we do on it will be used to glorify God and not cause harm or shame.
What do you do to avoid social media miscues like the ones pointed out? TAKE A MINUTE and share below so that we can all learn and benefit from them.
