The Grace Challenge: Grace in Social Media
Instagram. Facebook. Pinterest. Twitter. The list can go on. Whether you’re a fan of social media or not, it’s here to stay! If you’re new here, I’m closing up The Grace Challenge series with today’s post. You can read the entire series here.
I dragged my feet when the whole facebook thing came about. Facebook what? What’s that? I’m not doing that!
Well, that was about 4 years ago and now here I am on all the different social media channels. I certainly feel like I’m the most unlikely candidate. A person would have to be chatting for social stuff, right? That’s not me. Socially, I’m reserved. Not the spotlight kinda gal. And does someone really care what I have to share or say to the world?
Yes, those are the things that run through my mind when it comes to social media. And truth be told, I haven’t always been gracious when I’ve traveled the social media waters. I’ve learned a great deal of lessons when sharing or responding on social media because I’ve had my share of attacks. Painful lessons to learn but definitely worth it if my mission is to glorify the Lord and be the light. Hence why I’m writing this post. Perhaps what I share here will benefit you and your social media journey?
The questions below are what I ask myself when on social media…
1. Are you influential in that person’s life?
Do you have a relationship with them that you’re able to influence their point of view? If not, giving them a lecture, lesson, or a piece of your mind probably won’t matter much.
2. Are you being discerning?
Below is one of my favorite passages of the Bible but it took me awhile to figure out how to give a defense on social media. Of course there will always be people who will be offended by the bible, but I’m certainly not going to shy away from sharing it, nor am I going to apologize for it. But what I will do is use discernment when I respond to others.
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 1 Peter 3:15-17
3. Are you speaking or responding in meekness?
Meekness= strength under control. This is NOT easy!
I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Eph. 4:1-3 (KJV)
Here’s an easier read of the verses:
Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. Eph. 4:1-3 (NLT)
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. James 3:13
4. Do you THINK before you speak/write…(check out the acronym below).
T- True: Is it true?’
H- Helpful: Is it helpful?
I- Inspiring: Is it inspiring?
N- Necessary: Is it necessary?
K- Kind: Is it kind?
Not a simple list of questions to ask yourself, now is it! Many times I’ve had to walk away from my screen because my blood was boiling or because I was in tears based on the comments.
CHALLENGE:
The entire list above I think is challenging enough that I don’t think I need to challenge you anymore! But I will leave you with this…think about WHO it is that you’re representing while on-line. 🙂
Remember, we are set apart, a holy people, a chosen generation, therefore, what we share on our social media channels should look Christ-like because we’re daughters of the King!
Got any other tips for being gracious in social media? I’d love to hear them in the comments!
Prior posts in this series:
Week #1- 7 Truths You Need to Know About God’s Grace
Week #2- Grace in Your Marriage
Week #3- Grace in Your Marriage Bed
Week #4- Grace in Your Mothering
Week #5- Grace in Managing Your Home
Week #7- Grace in Your Friendships
Live a poured out life for Christ,
Facebook has been a real struggle for me, in that a lot of people I know don’t seem to look at where the posts originated from when the click that like button. I’ve been verbally smacked because I refused to like or comment on a post that came from a source with swearing in its title, for goodness’ sake. There are tons of land mines on social media; thus, I choose only to “friend” a very few people, and to watch very carefully what I post, like, share, etc. Kudos to you for spelling this out. I’ve truly enjoyed the Grace Challenge series. Thanks so much for all you do!