The Dangers of Sharing

The Dangers of Sharing
Photo of my sister Briana by Abigail Ruiz  

 

What people think of you is important. Yes, you did read that correctly. Growing up you are taught that you shouldn’t worry what other people think of you, rather you should be yourself and not worry about other’s opinions. However, as a Christian it is extremely important what other people think of you, think of me, and think of us.

 

To be clear when I say I am a Christian, I am not espousing that I am perfect, that I am above hypocrisy, or that I have it all figured out. Honestly, it is quite the opposite. When I say I am a Christian, I am admitting my own defeat – that I cannot fight my sinful human nature on my own. I am not claiming that I am above everyone else – because the truth is I fall too often and try to get up on my own. When I say I am a Christian, I am announcing to the world that I am a sinner in need of a Savior.

 

Along with the many joys of being a Christian, there is also a lot of responsibility. One responsibility in particular involves social media. We need to be careful of the like, comment, and share buttons that have been tantalizingly placed at our fingertips. It is also important to be aware that what we do and say has consequences that not only reflect upon us, and Christianity, but more importantly reflects upon our Maker.

 

Too often, we click the share button without any question of the validity of what we are sharing. One of the first things I learned while studying for my degree in history is the importance of research and credible references. Even 1st Thessalonians 5:21 reminds us that we need to “Test all things; hold fast what is good” (NKJV). When we thoughtlessly share stories and articles as facts that are actually satire or just plain false there can be a myriad of negative consequences, such as our credibility.

 

We need to be aware that we are not just representing ourselves on social media, but also our religion, our faith, and our God. Our actions reflect upon Christianity. If we cannot be trusted to share positive and true stores online, how can we be trusted with the responsibility of sharing the word of God. As Christians, we need to be trustworthy and reliable in the small things, so that there will be no doubt when we share what is most important to us.

 

 

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