Posted in Christianity, Uncategorized

“Etiquette Tips” for Christian Facebook Users

Posted on by Tangie

Written By Emily Post

Don’t gossip. The rules of the tongue apply to the keyboard as well. Give care that what you say is true as well as helpful. If James were to write James 3:6 today, it might read as follows, “And the keyboard is a fire, a world of iniquity…”. Lying, gossiping, stating as truth what we do not know to be true, etc. are as wrong on Facebook as they are when speaking to another face to face.

Don’t criticize the church or your brethren. Remember, the world is looking on! When King David learned of Saul’s death, he instructed Israel to “tell it not in Gath…lest they rejoice” (2 Samuel 1:20). Gath was a Philistine city, the home of Goliath. David didn’t want the sad news of Saul’s death to be used as an opportunity for his enemies to rejoice. Can you identify problems and imperfections in your local congregation? Of course, you can, because the church consists of imperfect people. But may I suggest that when you are able to identify weaknesses and failures among your brethren, “Tell it not on Facebook.” After all, Jesus has a better way of dealing with it, doesn’t he? (Matthew 18:15-17).

Don’t constantly whine. Or would it be more biblical to say “murmur and complain” (Philippians 2:14)? Now, I know there are times when you want to share the events of your life with others, and sometimes those events are burdensome. That’s not what I’m talking about. In fact, one of the redeeming qualities of Facebook is that it can be a forum to encourage, edify, and bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:1). I’m not talking about one who uses Facebook for those purposes. I’m talking about the constant complainer. The one who seems to be unable to count his blessings, but sure can count his/her problems. Listen, if you’re a Christian, regardless of what your problems are, your blessings infinitely exceed your trials.

Don’t take cryptic “pot shots” at some unnamed person who, when they read your post, will know you’re talking about them. If you have something to say to an individual, go to that individual and don’t take your problem public (Matthew 5:23-24). By going public, you only pique the curiosity of others and potentially and unnecessarily pull them into something that is none of their business.

Think before you post. Innuendos and off-color comments should never be posted (Ephesians 4:29).

Don’t post inappropriate pictures. Pictures showing you breaking the law, abusing alcohol, wearing immodest clothing, etc. damage your influence and do not glorify Christ. Better yet, do not engage in these activities in the first place.

Do some self-evaluation. Look at your profile. What do you have to say about yourself? If you proudly identify yourself as a Christian and the Bible as one of your favorite books, then please make sure the rest of what you like is consistent with that profession. Saying you’re a Christian and love the Bible, while in the next breath identifying as your favorites some of the most salacious books, movies, and performers cause others to blaspheme God (Romans 2:24).

Don’t use Facebook as an escape from reality. If you’re unhappy about your marriage, get off Facebook and work on your marriage! I know of too many stories where Facebook became the medium for adultery and broken homes. You know why you’re “friending” people. You know why you’re talking with them more and more. Stop deceiving yourself, and flee from that which can flame inappropriate desires and actions (2 Timothy 2:22).

Be kind (Ephesians 4:32). I’ve sometimes witnessed a person express some biblical error or misunderstanding only to be met with harsh and judgmental words. The fact that one may be in error doesn’t imply sinister motives. I’m convinced that the impersonal nature of the Internet emboldens people to act “bigger,” and “tougher” than they really are. I once had a dog that when she was in the safety of her cage sounded as though she would eat a person alive. But let her out of the cage, and she became as meek and cowardly as can be. I’m convinced that some of the harsh, hateful, judgmental words that I have seen typed would never be spoken if they were face to face with their offender. Paul instructs us to preach with all “longsuffering” (2 Timothy 4:2). That’s true of what we preach as well as what we type.

EMILY POST FINAL THOUGHT

And finally, use it for good (1 Corinthians 9:22). Speak of your faith often, encourage others, point people to Jesus, take advantage of opportunities to speak for Jesus, and let people see that there is an undeniable family resemblance between you and your heavenly Father.

“If we would do these things, Facebook would be a better place. Come to think of it, if we would do these things the world would be a better place.”

SOURCE: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emily_Post

Author:

Christian Blogger, Minister's Wife, Mother and Grandmother

21 thoughts on ““Etiquette Tips” for Christian Facebook Users”

  1. Very good advice. Or you can do as my wife and I have done and just get off it completely. That is hard to do for some people but we have been happy since we did it.

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      1. I think that’s wise and useful. Facebook and many of the other big social media platforms don’t love Christians, that’s for sure.

        Liked by 2 people

      2. You are definitely right, and I like the features of denying requests and unfollowing people. Since the sermons and blogs are posted publicly, they are reaching those who need to hear the word of God. It is shameful how professing “Christian” behave online and bring reproach against God and His church. I do not allow anyone to post on my page but the one who video record my husband’s sermons.

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  3. Amen! Truth! Love what you have to say about posting on social media. May we all learn to speak with grace, mercy, and profess the name of Jesus. If we say we are Christians, we should walk and speak like the sons and daughters we claim to be. Thank you for sharing wise words of wisdom. God bless!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you Marie, you are definitely right. We are to speak and walk like Christ online and off; however, I have limited my time to posting blogs, husband’s sermons and a few quotes; words to edify and encourage. Facebook and other social media sites can be positive if we choose to follow positive people and positive pages. Back company corrupts good manners offline as well as online. Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts.

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    1. I agree. I limit my time on Facebook to posting my blogs, husband’s sermons and a few quotes sometimes. We must have the same mentality “bad company corrupts good manners” online and and off. Sadly, Christians offline can be more brutal than Christians online. Thank you for reading and sharing your comments.

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  5. Sister Tangie,
    I despise the whole concept of Facebook, solely because of all what you mention and although there are positive usage for Facebook , the negative out weigh the positive and I refuse spending my time in a book that provides more negative rather than salvation!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I hear you. For me, Facebook has great setting options to choose who and what page I want to follow and/or unfollow if I change my mind. Based on my control settings the positive outweighs the negative. I have experienced more negativity with Christians offline than I have online. Also, my focus for using Facebook is to spread the Gospel of Jesus the Christ, and to edify and encourage others through my blogs and Felton’s sermons; both reach others globally. Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts.

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  7. I try to encourage people when I can or give helpful advice. I have deleted my facebook account for various reasons and I don’t miss it. May God bless you.

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    1. I deleted my first account in 2011. I created a new one in 2018 when my husband’s sermons started going live on Facebook and I post my blogs. I very seldom read the newsfeed and deleted many for various reasons. Thanks for reading and remain safe.

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  8. Yes absolutely it’s the God who takes care of us. Who teaches us what is good, who direct us in right way. Well written 😊👌🌹❣️

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