Paul’s On Social Media and the Christian - @IAMPaul

No, Paul wasn’t on Social Media but he certainly through inspiration covered it.  Twitter: @iAMpaul, FB: THEapostlePaul, Instagram: blindedbytheLIGHT, gmail address: iAManapostle@gmail.com. 

Paul uses the word “speak” 5 times in Ephesians and each of them is relevant in some way to today’s use of social media. So let’s talk about Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Periscope, Vine) and The Christian. 

“For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret” (5:12).

Don’t post something you wouldn’t want your grandma, preacher, future boss - but most of all you God to see!  Cause while the first three may or may not and you would be embarrassed - the last One will see it.

“But speaking the truth in love” (4:15)

Political posts rarely change anyone’s minds and could destroy your influence with those who see thing different than you. Truth loses it’s effectiveness if NOT spoken in love.  

“Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice” (4:31).

We can all agree on this - there is way too much drama on social media. Down play the drama.

Avoid being passive aggressive 

It may be cute and provoke a chuckle among those who agree with you but I doubt anyone’s mind has been changed or party moved by a FB post. BUT plenty of people have lost the respect and influence with those with whom they disagree over one.

Be aware that others see what you “like” or “heart” 

“Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (5:19)

Use it for good. Build up, praise God, His church or some of His People.  Watch for hurting people and message them. Pray for them.

Post something happy, uplifting, positive, something that builds up now and then. 

“For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak” (6:21). 

Remember Who you represent. You are an ambassador online!

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers” (4:29).

Read or watch (all the way to the end) before you share, like, re-post. Don’t speak or tweet corrupt thoughts.  And always serve up grace to those who “follow” you!