Here lately I've been thinking a lot about the power of our words. They say actions speak louder, but in the age of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and any other social network, I would say that words have become much more dangerous. But by the same token, words can also be used for such amazing encouragement.
I have been guilty of "ranting" on Facebook and Twitter more times than I can count. I used to think that if everyone knew how upset or mad I was about something, somehow that validated my anger and irritation. I think deep down when someone types those ugly words, or hateful thoughts out and then publishes them for all of the internet world to see, that is what they're really looking for. VALIDATION.
Unfortunately the people who are reading the garbage that is being posted aren't who we need that validation from. Our Heavenly Father is who we should be seeking to impress. It is Him who can really and truly make us feel better in the long run. You may get a five minute high from someone "liking" your status or retweeting you, but there is a good chance they are taking a screen shot and sending it to a friend and now, you're the topic of gossip.
That brings me to my adjoining point. SCREEN SHOT. Another double edged sword. Its wonderful to be able to take a quick screen shot of something funny or cute and text it to a friend. That is not what happens most of the time. That picture of you out partying or that picture of a text you sent that is full of foul language or gossip, that gets saved and sent too.
I think that seeking approval and attention has become a problem as well. I will be the first person to tell you that I LOVE A SELFIE! I just do! I may be a little crazy, but I actually like the ones my friends post too! You guys are gorgeous and I adore you! So seeing your faces makes me happy!! I think there is a fine line with "selfies" though. When we start posting photos that are provocative or inappropriate, we stop honoring God and start idolizing ourselves and the attention that comes with a picture like that. So vulgar photos with nasty or degrading captions are not generating uplifting feedback. Rather, they are just tearing down your own self worth.
We must be aware of the fact that there is no such thing as privacy anymore. Which is exactly why we should always be living a life to honor God! Because He doesn't need screen shot or Facebook. He sees everything we do and knows every thought we have. We should always try to set a good example. As Christians we are sometimes burdened with the stigma that we have to be perfect all the time. That is not what we should strive for. We should be focused on showing God's love to everyone and letting our words make people want to get to know Christ the way we do!
I was listening to a song that I think puts it perfectly into perspective. You may not feel like listening to it right now, but I promise if you do, it'll get you thinking too. You never know when your words can start a fire in someone's heart, or when they can put it out.
I have been guilty of "ranting" on Facebook and Twitter more times than I can count. I used to think that if everyone knew how upset or mad I was about something, somehow that validated my anger and irritation. I think deep down when someone types those ugly words, or hateful thoughts out and then publishes them for all of the internet world to see, that is what they're really looking for. VALIDATION.
Unfortunately the people who are reading the garbage that is being posted aren't who we need that validation from. Our Heavenly Father is who we should be seeking to impress. It is Him who can really and truly make us feel better in the long run. You may get a five minute high from someone "liking" your status or retweeting you, but there is a good chance they are taking a screen shot and sending it to a friend and now, you're the topic of gossip.
That brings me to my adjoining point. SCREEN SHOT. Another double edged sword. Its wonderful to be able to take a quick screen shot of something funny or cute and text it to a friend. That is not what happens most of the time. That picture of you out partying or that picture of a text you sent that is full of foul language or gossip, that gets saved and sent too.
I think that seeking approval and attention has become a problem as well. I will be the first person to tell you that I LOVE A SELFIE! I just do! I may be a little crazy, but I actually like the ones my friends post too! You guys are gorgeous and I adore you! So seeing your faces makes me happy!! I think there is a fine line with "selfies" though. When we start posting photos that are provocative or inappropriate, we stop honoring God and start idolizing ourselves and the attention that comes with a picture like that. So vulgar photos with nasty or degrading captions are not generating uplifting feedback. Rather, they are just tearing down your own self worth.
We must be aware of the fact that there is no such thing as privacy anymore. Which is exactly why we should always be living a life to honor God! Because He doesn't need screen shot or Facebook. He sees everything we do and knows every thought we have. We should always try to set a good example. As Christians we are sometimes burdened with the stigma that we have to be perfect all the time. That is not what we should strive for. We should be focused on showing God's love to everyone and letting our words make people want to get to know Christ the way we do!
I was listening to a song that I think puts it perfectly into perspective. You may not feel like listening to it right now, but I promise if you do, it'll get you thinking too. You never know when your words can start a fire in someone's heart, or when they can put it out.