And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.
Luke 6:31 (ESV)
The Wild West of Words
The Golden Rule. Most of us learned it when we were children. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Touted as the ultimate rule of friendship, the antidote to bullying, the be all and end all of how to interact with others.
Oh, what we forget
We may have taught it to our own children. Corrected them when they wanted their own way and weren’t allowing for their friends’ or siblings’ wishes. But as I studied it this week, I was struck anew with how much we forget it, especially when we are online.
Even though we post, comment, like, and share with our own identities (unless you are an identity thief reading this – in that case, we probably need to deal with some other issues first), there is an illusion of anonymity that produces a unique phenomenon.
False Anonymity
People who would never say a rude thing to someone’s face jump on a bandwagon of rude memes, disruptive comments, or mean jokes. Snarky, sarcastic, and biting words become weapons that divide rather than unite.
Words are Weapons
Make no mistake: words are weapons and it seems that social media is the wild west of today. Anyone can shoot off at the mouth, firing away as judge and jury without the benefit of trial or proof.
How well have I done at following the Golden Rule on social media?
As I was studying Luke 6:31, I also studied the parallel passage in Matthew 7. I have always thought of Matthew 7:12 as separate from verses 13-23, but as I studied them in the light of social media interactions, I was blown away by their connectedness. And convicted by their implications.
Whatever you wish
So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12 (ESV)
How do I want people to comment about me? Do I want them to tell jokes about me? Ridicule me? Berate me without ever having said anything to my face? If I don’t want anyone to do that to me, why do I feel empowered to do it to others, even public figures.
Barreling through the wide gate with the masses
Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. Matthew 7:13-14 (ESV)
The norm on facebook, twitter, instagram and more is not following the golden rule. Many people are barreling down the path to destructive, divisive online speech. Taking the narrower path brings life, unity, and blessings, rather than curses.
Online Fruit
Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. Matthew 7:15-17
What does our online fruit say about you and me? Does it reveal us as ravenous wolves who are ready to tear others apart? Or does it show us to be a light to the world, shining a flashlight on the path to Jesus?
Those who say they are God’s people but spout hatred are not showing good fruit.
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.” 1 John 4:7 (ESV)
Lawlessness of the Wild West of Words
Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ Matthew 7:21-23 (ESV)
The part of this section that really got me was the word “lawlessness”. That is what it feels like sometimes on facebook (and other social media). The wild west of today, with words being fired off as weapons without any apparent or immediate consequences. Shoot first, ask questions later.
Admirable People
In the wild west, there were plenty of lawless people, but there were also admirable people, attempting to make a difference in a lawless land.
Have you ever heard of Henry Weston Smith? He was a doctor and preacher in Deadwood, South Dakota during the gold rush. Perhaps we could be like him.
Heal the Brokenhearted
Rather than policing the internet or going in guns blazing, perhaps we could be the ones who will bind up wounds and seek to heal the brokenhearted, the discouraged, and the weary.
There is no mistake: Words are Weapons – what are you using your words to fight for?
When I was little, we sang a song called “Oh Be Careful”
O be careful, little eyes what you see
O be careful, little eyes what you see
For the Father up above; He’s looking down in love
So, be careful little eyes what you see.
Perhaps now we should be singing…
Oh be careful little fingers what you type…
Oh be careful little fingers what you type…
For the Father up above; He’s looking down in love
Oh be careful little fingers what you type…
Holster the guns
Let’s holster our guns and be quick to love and slow to post, like, share, and comment. We could be flooding social media with the love of Jesus rather than snarky comments.
“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger” James 1:19 (ESV)
Action Step:
Think before you post today. Choose something praiseworthy and uplifting to post (Philippians 4:8) and start being a missionary in the wild west of the social media rather than part of the mob.
Prayer:
God, please forgive us for the social media interactions we have had that displease You and dishonor Your name. Help us to think before we type or click. Transform us into a light for You online and a people who are the embodiment of the love of Jesus on social media. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Title Image from Lunde Studio at https://lundestudio.com/