 Last week, I posted about filtering incoming information through God's Word and discernment. Due to technology again, we have so many opportunities to share information, opinions, ideas, feelings, etc. Emails, blogs, forums, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube are just some examples. I'm not going to talk about safety issues here. I will focus on taking our thoughts and our words captive and on integrity. As a follower of Christ, I do not want to tarnish His name in any way, including how I communicate. "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." Psalm 19:14 This applies to my written/typed words, too.
How should we filter our outgoing information? Perhaps a good start would be this:
"When I want to speak...let me think first:- Is it true?
- Is it kind?
- Is it necessary?
If not, let it be left unsaid." ~Babcock
Before you hit "send" or "comment" button, please make sure your message is truthful, kind, and necessary (I know this last one is kind of subjective :)). In addition, I ask myself whether my message is helpful, friendly, and edifying.
There are lots of wonderful verses in the Bible about tongue and speech that would apply to our writing and communicating in general as well. In my post titled, "Taming the Tongue," I shared that,
"Our speech should be: Gentle and gracious
Respectful
Encouraging
Appropriate
Truthful"
I believe our outgoing information should also be G.R.E.A.T. :). "Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near." Philippians 4:5
When people leave you comments that upset you and/or you engage in a heated discussion on a forum, please take time to pray and think things through before you respond. I have been in those situations before and my first reaction was neither pretty nor pleasant :). I needed to calm down and pray for God's wisdom on how to respond in love, kindness, gentleness, and with humility. My attitudes need to be right in God's eyes. Ask yourself if you would rather be righteous or be right (win the argument, have the last word, etc.) "Both" is my answer :)...just kidding. Do we extend grace and mercy (that we have received so much from God) to others?
"A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered." Proverbs 17:27
"In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us." Titus 2:7-8
Other things to keep in mind...
- Do not misuse God's name in your writing. I posted about this issue here.
- Do not slander anyone.
- Do not gossip.
- Do not cause others to stumble.
- Do not plagiarize.
- Be considerate.
- Be a peacemaker, not troublemaker. |
Posted by Jessie @ Muthering Heights 
Monday, June 8, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Marie