The Preacher (aka The Hubs) and I have very different ideas about social media. He hates it. Well, "hate" may be a bit strong. He dislikes it intensely. He feels like it feeds pride and self-importance, encourages gossip and slander, and takes time away from God's Word, Discipleship, and Evangelism. He also feels that social media removes our natural desire to connect with the people in our daily lives.
I can see his points...all of them.
Thing is, I really like Social Media, but it carries with it a responsibility to self-govern just as television, books, magazines, radio and the internet. I cannot dictate what is out on the internet any more than I can dictate what any given television or radio station chooses to air. I CAN choose who I listen to, what I watch, and what I search for. I believe that the goodness or badness of any of these things depends on the user.
I use social media to share what goes on in my little life and I do that because I love to look back and be reminded of things and people and events. I also use it as an avenue to share my writing and art.
When I look at someone's social media, it tells me what is important to them... whether intentional or not, it's a representation of the image of themselves they want to portray to the world.
In case there's any question, my life is pretty much made up of Jesus, the preacher, our 2 PKs, 2 dogs, family who live too far away for my liking, amazing friends, painting, coffee, writing, reading, teaching Sunday school, ladies ministry, and a serious hatred of laundry.
I try not to be confrontational, passive aggressive, or intentionally vague in my posts, but I recently posted something that, looking back, was more controversial than I intended. One friend posted very respectfully "Agree to disagree" and I LOVE her for that. She made her point. She did not agree with my thought on a subject. Totally her right. BUT she did not attack me, tell me I was wrong or in any way offend, belittle, or shame me for the way I feel. I appreciate and respect that so much.
We can use social media as a means to show the love of Christ, to share the gospel message, to demonstrate a life free of profanity, slander and malice. We can use social media to reflect a life lived for Christ looks like. We can use it to share pictures and events with friends and family.
or
We can use social media to spread venom and hate. We can use it to hurt others and cause conflict. We can use it to manipulate and victimize people. We can use it to glamorize things like alcohol, drugs, promiscuity and pornography.
The choice is absolutely completely and totally ours.
Much love and big hugs!
K
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