Facebook Pulpits

Semi-random philosophical--and undoubtedly inflammatory--observation: I heard recently that we have our own pulpits, and I think it's true. It got me thinking that every time Christians point their fingers at someone on Facebook that their neighbors, Christian or not, are doing the same to them. So-called "Christian," (dare I say self-righteous?) Facebook rebukes rarely, if ever, do anything but incite anger and hurt in the other person involved. You don't like someone's post or status and feel the need to "preach" to them? Don't private message that person or publicly comment on the person's wall. Jesus' ministry while here on Earth was intensely hands-on. He didn't like what he saw? He'd let you know. Not with sarcasm. With love. And face to face. The written word is powerful, but without the proper facial expressions and oral inflections that we use to convince people of our honesty, love, and compassion, it can do more harm than good. The only written word ALWAYS capable of rebuking with love is the Bible because it is the WORD of God.

So, you are firmly convinced you need to rebuke someone because of what you perceive to be an anti-Christian post on a Christian's wall? Then pray and ask God to give you guidance and wisdom. Talk to that person face to face and explain with love and compassion why you believe a status or a post is wrong-hearted and leave the rest to God. Can't talk to the person face to face, you say? Call them up and speak with him or her over the phone. Don't have the person's phone number? Perhaps you're not a close enough "friend" to pass judgement on the "offensive" posts. Consider this: We become Facebook friends with people and family all over the world, many of whom we've never even met. All we know is their online presence. We have no idea what these people go through on a daily basis, their triumphs, their struggles, their hurts, and yet we dare to pass judgement on their posts? THAT seems wrong-hearted.

If you still feel compelled to comment, don't resort to sarcastic comments. Again, pray for wisdom and guidance. God is surely able to give you words that breathe life into another--as He does with the Bible. Remember, before you are tempted to "correct" someone on Facebook in the name of Christian charity, none of us are perfect: "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

Don't let your Christian ego make your Facebook pulpit a stumbling block to your brother or sister in Christ. Prayerfully consider your comments before you respond to another. Why be a slave to your Christian ego, when you were made to be free in Christ?