Your Words Matter

Posted on June 15, 2020 by Catey Stover in Freedom Fighters

Good morning and welcome to a new week of Freedom Fighters. I know that I have written on this topic numerous times before, but I am compelled to write about it again.

At America’s Keswick, we use Social Media platforms to the fullest, and it has been a great way for us to encourage people, especially during the COVID-19 crisis. We have numerous podcasts and also are broadcasting our events and programs.

I also have a personal Facebook page, and quite frankly, I would really like to get rid of it. While I love being able to connect with family and friends, and some friends from my childhood day, I am really concerned about the way we are using Social Media in a negative way.

I certainly understand the concept of freedom of speech. But I am very concerned that freedom of speech has become a very one-sided approach to conversation and dialogue.

If you want to post on Social media, you can say whatever you want. however you want, to whomever you want, and that is supposed to be acceptable. But if someone else has a different point of view, there is no such thing as conversation or dialog – it actually is getting ugly, and for believers, very un-Christlike. Quite frankly, it has become quite nasty.

Can I suggest several things for your consideration:

1. Your words are a reflection of who you represent. If we want the world to know that we are believers and that Christ can make a difference, than what we post should reflect that our words are even controlled by the Spirit. I have had people private message me comments like “so that person calls themselves a Christian? If that is what you people are like, I don’t want any part of that.” We can destroy our testimony and credibility with our words.
2. Your words are a reflection of your workplace. I am reading more and more articles where people are being fired for what they are posting on their personal social media pages.

   I post Scripture, a quote, and a piano video almost every day. I have found this to be the safest thing for me to do on my page. Every once in a while I have posted a rant, and almost always, someone who cares deeply for me and my reputation will lovingly rebuke me reminding me that first of all I represent Christ and that even though it is my personal page, it is a reflection on the ministry of America’s Keswick.
   That has caused me to weigh everything I post.

3. Don’t use social media to attack people you would never have the courage to speak to face-to-face. You know the quote – “the pen is mightier than the sword.” I am convinced that most people who have nasty posts would never have the courage to say those same things if they had to look the individual in eye.
4. Use the Unfriend, Unfollow, or Delete button. Sound radical? It would sometime be easier to just get off of social media. But I am learning that rather than engage in an argument, sometimes the best thing is to unfriend, unfollow, or delete. I had someone argue with me several weeks ago about one of my piano posts. They asked me what was wrong with my leg and why it was wrapped. I couldn’t convince that person that my leg was fine, and even though it has been apart of my life for 66 years, it wasn’t wrapped. In frustration, she finally wrote that she didn’t believe me and could I look my mother in the eye and say I was being truthful. It was a total waste of time!!! I didn’t delete them, but I have been doing that more frequently.

Can I challenge you to take the next thirty days and read through Proverbs and discover what this powerful book says about our words?

Ecclesiastes reminds us that there is a time to speak – but it also says there is a time to be silent!!! My 93-year-old pastor friend said before I speak, I should ask these three questions: 1) Is it true? 2) Is it necessary? 3) Does it bring glory to God?

Think about it!

In His grip,

Bill Welte, President/CEO
America’s Keswick

Written by Bill Welte, President/CEO of America’s Keswick: Bill has been married to his childhood sweetheart for 40+ years and has four married kids and 11 amazing grandkids. He loves music and is an avid reader.

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Think About This: “Words are powerful. They can create or destroy, Choose wisely.”

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalms 118-122| You can download our 2020 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here. 

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil ^[i]treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. –Luke 6:45

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the doctrinal and theological views held by America’s Keswick.