If you're anything like me you'll be spending at least part of your weekend taking in the sights and sounds of the various social-networking sites. Between Facebook, Twitter, Google-plus and the blogs, there will be moments that amuse, a few that inspire, the odd one that makes us think... and the inevitable gaggle that shock, dismay, offend or simply make us shiver at their inappropriateness.
Words are powerful - they can build up others (Ephesians 4: 29) or they can wreak great evil (James 3:5-6). And, as such, should never be typed lightly. But how often do we, as Christians, sit and think about the effect our posts and status updates have on those around us?
Earlier this week, local pastor, Gavin McGrath wrote an interesting article calling for a return to modesty on social networking sites.
Earlier this month another minister, Mark Meynell helpfully suggested that before we post our thoughts on the internet we need:
They're principles worth pondering as we engage in the very public world of cyberspace.
Or maybe next time we log on, we should simply discipline ourselves to read a spot of Colossians 3 before we begin to type:
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
