“He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.” - Proverbs 18:13
This past week has been an eye-opening experience for me. This week, the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) held its annual meeting. I am not a Southern Baptist. My church is not part of the SBC. However, I have friends in the SBC. There are good churches, gifted preachers and great people in the SBC. However, this year's SBC had a lot of tension leading up to the convention. In the aftermath of the convention, some are still troubled.
Like many denominations, the SBC has some inner conflicts. Certainly their problems are none of my business, since I am not affiliated with them. Obviously, I have not been hired as a consultant, so I'm not trying to give them advise or help them solve their problems. Instead, I want to focus on a major issue that seems to have deepened their conflict: social media. You see, social media has served as a means to propagate misinformation, rumors and character assassination leading up to and even after their convention. This is not just a SBC problem. It really exists beyond denominational walls.
Many use social media to express their opinions. Rather than using wisdom and common sense, some overtly share all their opinions, even at the expense of others. When these opinions are shared by others, the opinions go viral. Facebook, Twitter and other social media platforms have become a gossip community, a sinful cesspool for the saints.
Nearly everyone on social media must confess that we are affected, to some degree, by what we read on Facebook or Twitter. If someone expresses a negative statement about someone, we are prone to believe it is true. Furthermore, we share or retweet statements without validating whether the statement is factual or not. We can find ourselves biased about a subject simply based upon hearsay.
In a court of law, a witness is sworn to “tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.” Hearsay evidence is inadmissible in court. However, a lot of critical statements on social media is based upon hearsay and biased opinions.
The Bible says, “He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.” Disagreements seem to escalate into arguments on social media. Criticism is often shared without an actual first-hand knowledge of a situation or an investigation into the authenticity of the claims. Like it or not, we can be guilty of sinful gossip by our participation in such shenanigans.
To my brothers and sisters, regards of denomination, let me make some suggestions about our activity on social media.
1. INVESTIGATION
2. CONTEMPLATION
3. INTERCESSION
More than likely, if you do these three things, it is highly unlikely you'll proceed with your criticism or share another person's criticism.
You see, what you post on the internet is a reflection of your own integrity. You should desire to post things that are honest and true. Posting gossip, hearsay or accusations is sinful and wrong. Don't be guilty of slandering a brother in Christ! Consider how much falsehood you may have posted already. Like it or not, you are accountable to God for what you write on social media. Do you feel comfortable with that?
Speaking for myself, I'd rather share something positive, helpful or uplifting on social media. When someone stumbles onto my Facebook or Twitter page, I hope they find things that are honest and right. Most of all, I want God to be pleased with the things I share.
Brethren, let us use social media for the glory of God rather spreading rumors and gossip. When God and others see what we write, may they see the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth!
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