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?
