Take a Minute Before you Hit Share

Posted on October 9, 2017 by Graeme Wilson in Freedom Fighters

Tags: #americaskeswick #freedomfighters #christiandevotional #americaskeswick

I have addressed this particular issue many times in my entries for Freedom Fighter, but I want to share some additional thoughts with you this morning.
I thank you for joining us on this daily journey as together we desire to walk in victory. Our writing team appreciates your willingness to read our blog and especially appreciate it when you share it with others.
Social Media is a driving force in our world. In fact, what is scary is that Facebook has been even called a “country.” Several years ago, it was referred to as the second largest country in the world.
Many have expressed concern about all the bad things that take place on social media. Some people will spend their whole day on social media simply because they are lonely and bored. Some people couldn’t survive an hour without checking on their posts to see how many “likes” and “shares” they have.
I am concerned about a far greater issue, and that is the way we use our words when it comes to social media.
Lately, I have been embarrassed as I have read posts from well-meaning Christians. I have started to UNFOLLOW friends because it grieves me to see what they put in print.
Our words can be weapons of mass destruction. At 63 years of age, I still do battle with my tongue. Words leave my lips all too quickly, and I find myself hurting my wife, my kids, my co-workers and friends.
Yes, we are all entitled to speak our minds as American citizens under the provision of “free speech.” But we answer to a greater authority – God and His Word and the hundreds of Scripture references that talk to us about how and when we should use our words.
There are times to speak when there are issues that violate the clear principles in Scripture. Taking a stand is important and the right thing to do. But there is a right way to do it, and that is where many lack discernment.
Before you hit SHARE, I would like to suggest that you think about several of these verses:

“Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking,  as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby  if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.” 1 Peter 2:1

See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.  For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.  With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God.  Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh. James 3:67-12

The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing, but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness. Proverbs 15:2

Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent. Proverbs 17:28

Wise words are like deep waters; wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook. Proverbs 18:4

Please hear me. I am not saying there is never a time to not speak up. But what I am saying, there is a godly and right way to use our words. What we post reflects first of all on the Lord, it reflects on you and your family, and in some cases, the ministries and organizations you represent.
You don’t have to like or agree with my thoughts. That is your right and privilege. But my prayer is that you will search and examine the Word of God, which is and should be the final authority on the use of our words.
The writer of the book of James wrote: “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger” (James 1:19).
If he were alive, I wonder if he would have penned: “slow to tweet, slow post, slow to share?” I want my words to reflect His image. How about you?
Rejoice! Pray! Give thanks!
Bill Welte
President/CEO of America’s Keswick
Written by Bill Welte, President/CEO of America’s Keswick: Bill has been married to his child sweetheart for 40+ years, and has three married kids, one that is engaged, and 11 amazing grand kids. He loves music and is an avid reader.
The Daily Bible Reading: Numbers 33-36| You can download our 2017 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here

Think About This: Whatever you verbalize, you give power to. When you voice negative thoughts, you’re reinforcing what’s wrong. Over time, it often becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. Whatever important thing rules your heart also shapes your words and behavior. — Paul David Tripp

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:
Praise the Lord! Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Psalm 106:1