If you spend any kind of time on the internet, you are well aware of the comments section in blogs and social media posts. It seems as though we live in a time where everyone is an expert on everything. When Alek Minassian ran over people in Toronto with his rental van, many Christians posted in social media how they were praying for everyone involved. The organization I work with, Promise Keepers Canada, also posted similar comments. Almost immediately, we had people comment how this was without any doubt the beginning of the work of terrorists who have immigrated to Canada. There is only one minor problem – there are no facts to back this up. Even worse was the language some people used in their comments. This started a conversation in our office about how we should behave online as Christians.
Testing Our Online Comments
If you claim to be a follower of Jesus Christ and you feel the need to post any comments which show a bitter dislike towards anyone – Stop! When your social media profile says Jesus is your Lord and yet you feel the need to stir up strife – Stop! If you feel the need to make accusations before the facts have been investigated by the governing authorities established by God – Stop!
Here is what God says in Galatians 5:19-21 (CSB): “Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outburts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. I am warning you about these things – as I warned you before – that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Before you post, ask yourself this question: Is this a work of the flesh or a work of the Spirit?
The Fruit of the Spirit Applies Online
Here is what God says in Galatians 5:22-25 (CSB): “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. The law is not against such things. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.”
Are your online comments filled with kindness, goodness, or gentleness?
For whatever reason, there are some Christians who feel when they are online, they can say whatever they want. Feel free to write what you want, but please know you are not representing Jesus when your comments and activity do not reflect the fruit of the Spirit of God in your life.
Your Actions Reveal Your Heart
The Bible repeatedly teaches our actions reveal what is really in our heart. What do your online actions say about you? Are you walking in the flesh or keeping in step with the Spirit?
In Galatians 5:16, God says: “I say then, walk by the Spirit and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh.”
If you know Jesus, then the Bible teaches God dwells in you. The Holy Spirit is in you to teach you, help you, and show you how to be like Christ. Live every day in a place of submission to the guidance of the Spirit of God in your life.
Time for Change
We have an amazing story to tell. It’s called Good News for a reason. Imagine the influence we could collectively have online if we would be good news people instead of some of the brutal, ruthless, works of the flesh some choose to post.
Watch yourself – if you are a follower of Jesus you should never stop being an ambassador for Jesus.
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