Words Matter
Do you ever have one of those ‘that was random’ thoughts moments? I do. Two years ago, I found myself asking if God cared about my activities on social media.
Image courtesy of Patty Koplitz | Flickr
A million dollar question!
The questions went something like this:
What if God has a Facebook profile? If God had a Facebook profile, would He like my status? If God had a Facebook profile, would He approve of my comments? If God had a Facebook profile, would He share my status with the angels on His network? If God had a Facebook profile, would He accept my friendship request?
Social media is so fluid and fast. We post updates and comments on the fly. But do you realise your updates and comments count as words too? They do.
Why words (spoken and written) matter
The ‘Facebook’ questions raised significant curiosity in my mind for a couple of reasons.
Firstly, I believe, as remote as it may appear to some, that God cares about our ‘innocent’ social media activities. Why? Because our social media activities reflect our thoughts. This give me a much needed reality check.
Secondly, words are powerful; powerful enough to hurt, powerful enough to heal, to reassure, to encourage, to discourage… Words are powerful and we must take responsibility for using them well.
Thirdly, words matter. Period.
Why you should take this serious
A friend recently told me her social media activities couldn’t be of interest to God. I disagreed completely. Here’s why:
“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person” – Colossians 4:6 “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” – 1 Corinthians 10:3 “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” – Matthew 12:36,37
Words matter.
Our words must be seasoned with salt, able to encourage others and honor God. Social networking doesn’t have to mean social foolishness. Don’t get carried away.
Your words matter, no matter where it’s written, spoken, read or heard. Click to share this!
Are you on social media? What practical measures do you set yourself to ensure your words add value to others and honor God?
P.S. This weekend, I will be speaking at a youth event in Berlin, Germany. Please pray that Christ alone is honored. Thank you.
About Joseph Iregbu
From a homeless, near-school-dropout to living a story worth telling. Purpose is my passion. What's your story?
I agree with you. God is interested in ALL that we do. Our words and actions make a huge difference. we may not always realize it, but what we say and do leaves it’s mark in this world and in others lives.
Great post, praying for all you do now and in 2014.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas in advance TC! Thanks for being ever so awesome.
Thank you as well. Have a blessed Christmas and a wonderful New Year!
Good words Joseph. We can often forget how much the words we put out truly matter. I try to make sure I don’t post negative items on my Facebook feed and try to encourage and uplift others. Sometimes it’s hard though…
It’s true we sometimes ‘forget ourselves’ and go with the flow. A constant reminder of this, I believe, is necessary. Thanks Joe!