Hi, I’m Ron and I’m a facebook addict.
There. That’s better. Now, for all of you who never venture into social networking sites, you may skip this post and go about your day, though I have no idea what that might be.
For the rest of you, I have another confession to make: I share photos and stories posted by others.
I know, right? Surely hell awaits. But that’s only half the problem. The real problem is that I share things on facebook or twitter without giving much thought as to how it may effect those viewing it. I’m not saying I share anything mean or hurtful, but I have to do a better job of foreseeing how others may react.
I’m speaking primarily of the hate-filled stories that are often posted in order to reveal the hypocrisy of one side or another. Usually these stories are of a violent nature, involving different ethnic groups. Also are the token images of brutalized bodies in some foreign country, the result of ethnic cleansing or Islamic radicals.
Yes, these things happen and yes, we need to be aware that they happen so that we can take steps to prevent them. But the sharing of such stories and images may very well stoke the flames of hatred on both sides of the argument. Nothing is resolved. We simply escalate our .
Okay, here’s a “what if” situation:
What if Jesus or Paul or any of the disciples had facebook in the first century? What Would Jesus Post?
Would He a) post stories about Roman torture and crucifixions? or b) post messages of love and encouragement?
Yes, He would advise that we turn from sin and repent, but I suspect He wouldn’t post graphic photos of the sin in question. We know our sin. We don’t need visual aids.
It’s easy to get caught up in the politics and public outcry against atrocities. And it’s frustrating when the media doesn’t report all sides of a story. They never have. Deal.
And we’re not going to change the heart or mind of a single person by pointing out the world’s flaws. Not. One.
But we can share the love of Christ, which may not change all hearts and minds, either. In fact, He couldn’t accomplish that while He walked among us. But maybe, with a kind word of encouragement, you can change one heart.
Many of you follow me on facebook. By all means, if you see me sharing the ugly side of our world, call me out on it. And I’ll do the same for you.
So, dear friends, what will you share today?
