(John 3:20-21) "20Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. 21But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God."
Good things, that's such a simple idea. If I asked you to think of something good you could. However, no matter what you think is good, Satan has successfully tempted someone to tear it down. One might even want to go as far to say that the world hates good things. Satan may even tempt us to tear down others doing what they think is good also. Maybe with sinful feelings like jealousy or insecurity. Nowhere does this seem more prevalent in our lives today than on the internet. We can anonymously or very publicly and personally tear people down. Maybe we know them, maybe we don't, maybe these are hypothetical people that you've heard about. Either way, if they're doing something we don't like, we make sure to let them and others know.
I think sometimes we don't know we're doing it either. I think sometimes we want to just have a laugh, or we don't realize that other people are actually seeing what we are doing, we know that accounts are tied to other people but it all just feels so disconnected. So what should we do, when we have finished typing and are ready to hit that submit button? Well here are some things to consider.
When you post something, does it build up your Lord? I'm not saying that everything we need to post to the internet needs to be Christian. But we certainly want to make sure that what post is not anti-Christian. So we want to post good things. In Matthew 19:17 Jesus says, ""Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments."" If we post good things, we post Godly things. Don't say or do an action on-line that is ungodly. Don't be vulgar, or sexually immoral. Don't post pictures of compromising things. Don't share ungodly things. Remember that even though you didn't say it, it is a reflection of who you are and as a Christian you should be representing God, so when someone posts a prayer one day, then an insulting or vulgar post the next, what is the nonbeliever supposed to think of your ideals. Instead, share the Gospel, remind people of the Law that you live your life by. Build up your Heavenly Father.
You should also build up yourself. We can't live Holy lives, we constantly fall short. But our personalities, the things we set in digital stone; we have a bit of control on how we are presented and we can live as an example in that part of our lives. Matthew 5:16 says, "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Do not complain, rather be thankful. How often does it feel good to vent about a job, or a family member, that guy we didn't know on traffic? It's out of our system, we feel better and we've moved on. But the anger and/or laziness is still there hours and days later for people just catching up. Do not hate. Let people know that your Lord is in charge and gives your government the sword to rule. Pray for your government. Do not hate a group of people. Pray for an end of violence or a sinful lifestyle. When confronted with a sorrowful situation, pray for these things also, be it illnesses, weather conditions, or policy.
Finally, build up your neighbor. When building yourself up make sure it is not at the expense of your neighbor. Never post things that are insulting, pictures of people that have been taken out of context. So-called "funny" personalities on the internet, you do not know their situation. Love your neighbor by encouraging them through troubles, celebrating their accomplishments, sharing the Gospel. However should someone do something online that you fear is harmful, spiritually or physically, do not call them out publicly. Instead privately contact your neighbor and share your concern. You do not know their situation. Seek out help if needed, someone else who can privately share your concerns with them. If it is something you can not settle on, remove them from whatever means you have of contact with them. Then continue to pray for them.
Lord, you have given us so many conveniences through the world of internet technology. Help us to use this gift to build you up and to share your Law and Gospel. Help us so that our sinful nature does not use it for evil's benefit, but rather use us as an example of your love and a reminder of the love you gave to us by sending your Son, who is coming again. Amen.
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