My social media friend, DiAnn Mills, posted a question today about our relationships and social media. How do we balance the two? First of all, I think we have to look at the latter word of the term social media “friend.” That’s gotten out of hand in a few too many worlds.
I consider DiAnn a friend, although we’ve never met, nor really shared an in depth conversation. If I was having a break down I wouldn’t call DiAnn; mainly because I don’t know her number. Nor would I message her, though I possibly could, I’ve never tried that either. I follow folks like DiAnn and other social media personalities because we are like minded and frankly because I like to steal the stuff of creative Christ minded people. Please don’t think I’m advocating plagiarism. By “”stealing” I simply mean, their thoughts lead my mind in directions I might not have gone on my own. So this morning when DiAnn posted her question, and I read down through the comments, a friend of hers (who I’m not social media friends of) commented with the term “digital missionaries.” That was an amazing term I thought. And so my warped way of thinking went into the super hero analogy of how I view missionaries for Jesus Christ and “dada” Super hero Jesus Chick was drawn.
Please don’t think me arrogant. I actually don’t view myself as a super hero. But when you read the stories of the superheroes of the faith, I have to wonder what would they have done with the tools we have in our era?
If Noah had a Facebook would he have had any friends? Would he have tweeted When the dove returned? Being that Abraham was the friend of God, would he have as many friends as the number of stars because his friends just want to get in tight with Jesus? If Miriam had a social media page would she have dissed her brother to all of the Israelites instead of just Aaron? Would David have shared his image of Bathsheba on Instagram? Good night a mighty, what would the Bible have looked like on Social media?!
If Jesus had a Facebook page, what would He do with it? You could possibly answer that question if you’re a Christian, because He does live in you after all. Are you a digital missionary or digital menace? As Jesus scrolls down your page, does He see himself?
That’s what He should see because we who are online should be using it for the purpose of furthering the Kingdom of God. If you have “truly” friended someone and you happen to run across a post that shows them in a pit of despair (it didn’t just happen, it was a divine appointment). What did you do with it? Did you give them a frowny face or a prayer hand, or did you actually take the time to read their issue and respond as Jesus would have?
It’s a question I ask myself today… Thanks DiAnn for the thought path… it was a good walk.
Matthew 25:43-44 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?
Are the people in your list strangers or friends? Naked – when they bear their soul, do you clothe them in kindness? When they are sick do you really pray? When they are in the prison of being alone together on social media, do you visit them? When they need a drink of the water of life, do you show them how to quench that thirst in Jesus Christ? Are a digital missionary? If you are, you’re my hero.
This blog is in it’s 8th year. Hosted on godaddy.com for the past five. Expenses incurred for the operation of this site are without complaint and with gratitude for the opportunity. If the Lord would impress you to give to help cover some recent technology issues, I’d be grateful. I’ve not been in the world’s workforce for 3 years and for that I glorify God. It’s given me the opportunity to not only write and work on music, but minister to nursing home patients, volunteer in the Christian School teaching art and help other ministries with marketing. All of which require technology, communication, time and gasoline. Again it’s without complainT… but just in case you have a desire to help, or have “extra money” 🙂 Know that I would be eternally grateful.
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