Twitter, Facebook, and all other social media has become the most commonly used method of sharing our hearts, minds, and feelings. Even though a major it of the people don't really care. However, there are a select few who do get much out of what you have to say.
We the people today use social media to express a wide variety of things:
We like to share song lyrics because people really like to know exactly what song you are listening to at that exact moment.
We like to share new things that we feel like the world deserves to know.
We like to promote our blogs. (This is a really good article btw. ;)
But one new trend I see sprouting in social media today is the art of "social ministry" I call it.
Obviously, I'm guilty of doing all of these things, but as great as social ministry can be, there are TWO things that we need to realize in order to make a difference in todays world.
1. It is not about you.
I used to have one rule for my posts on Facebook, if I don't recieve any likes or comments within the first 20 minutes of the post, I take it down. And I know I'm not the only one to do this.
We homosapiens (humans) like to be recognized for our hard work and the effort we put into our posts. I mean, we took 20 minutes making sure that our grammar is perfect and our point was accurately stated in the most perfect way possible. We deserve at least a little bit of feedback, right?
What I'm convicted of is actually believing that I'm posting these statuses or tweets for God when in reality, I'm posting them for myself. I want to be recognized for these wise words instead of giving God the glory.
Today, before I post my statuses, tweets, or blogs, I pray that God will use this simple media ministry method to plant seeds and open blind eyes to what He, not me, wants them to see. It's about His kingdom and His glory, not my likes and my followers.
Today, before I post my statuses, tweets, or blogs, I pray that God will use this simple media ministry method to plant seeds and open blind eyes to what He, not me, wants them to see. It's about His kingdom and His glory, not my likes and my followers.
2. Your actions speak louder than your tweets.
I see so many people posting inspirational Bible verses or C.S. Lewis quotes on social media who don't walk out the walk. We all know that person. But we often realize that we might be that person as well. We make religious posts because it makes us feel secure in our walk and it makes our walk known to our friends and followers. And in our security, we feel like our ministry is complete. It's not.
Ministry involved doing. When you see God one day, He won't say to you, "Well posted my good and faithful servant." No he will say, "Well DONE."
There are Christians who need to stop posting about Christ and start being Christ.
There are Christians who need to stop complaining about life and start pouring out life in their communities.
We get caught up in posting our heart on Facebook instead of sharing our heart in this lost and dying world.
People can unfollow you or ignore your posts but they can't ignore your actions and kindness and love to them. Actions make a difference, not a post.
Social Ministry in itself is a great way to share what God is doing in your life, but we need to realize that it's not about us and our posts our pointless unless we live them out.
And you should totally follow me on Twitter @BuddyCrabtree
Great thoughts.
ReplyDeleteHow much funnier does the whole conversation become when you take into account Matthew 6:3 which tells us we shouldn't even let our left hand know what our right hand does when we give to the poor? I would argue that our relationship with God doesn't really need to be on social media at all! After all, in the last days they will be lovers of their 'selfies,' right? I like that quote that you had about 'well done' not 'well posted' - hope it's alright that I use that sometime!
Awesome and convicting post! I very much like the idea that although social ministry can be good it should't be all you do! We need to get our priorities straight when it comes to Christianity and stopping posting and starting doing is a great way to start!
ReplyDeleteGreat post here Buddy; you went deep. I like it. A lot of your statements here are even "retweetable"..
ReplyDeleteMore seriously, I appreciate how you did not take the conservative stance that says "social media is evil and Christians should completely abstain from it!" That kind of thinking leads to such a waste potential ministry opportunities. The benefits of social media are far too great to simply ignore, especially in youth ministry.
That being said, I really like your two guidelines for posts. Ultimately, all the "glory" from your posts should go to God (and I know that seems like an oxymoron on a social media site, but I do believe it's possible). From now on I am going to test my posts according to your criterion, and if I don't pass, I won't post.
Great blog brother. I'd give this post a thumbs-up, share, retweet, double-tap... well you get the picture.