Out-of-Social-Network
Read the Text: James 1
Memorize the Text:
Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, 2 keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
(Hebrews 12:1-2, CSB)
Consider the Text: James 1:19-27
Social networking through various platforms has become a dominant manner of communication. Different social media options allow people to express their opinions, beliefs, and thoughts without a filter. Many conversations and arguments happen because of a boldness that overtakes people sitting behind a screen and keyboard. Unfortunately, social networks have created an out-of-network dynamic in many relationships and caused many believers to develop a pseudo-religious persona or become known for hypocrisy. In James 1:19-27, the half-brother of Jesus provides several vital elements to engaging social media in a manner that may seem out of social network to the world.
SEEK TO SHARE GOD'S RIGHTEOUSNESS
James charged believers to live in a manner that listens quickly, speaks with wisdom, and holds back fleshly anger. This response occurs when the believer seeks to live out the righteousness of the Lord and illuminate Christ to the world through their actions. Unfortunately, the world attempts to communicate in dialogues instead of authentically listening and responding to one another. As a believer, we must learn to listen before responding. We must listen first and foremost to the Word of God that allows us to be formed toward righteousness. At the same time, when we engage with one another, we should enter a posture of listening intently before forming our response.
When we fail to listen, we become angry and often speak quickly. When we respond without genuinely listening, we often speak from the flesh and do not reflect the goodness and righteousness of Christ. We demonstrate a non-caring attitude toward others. We fail to reflect on their importance, value, or worth as individuals because we do not respect them enough to listen. When we slow down and respond after genuine listening, we can speak the truth in love in a manner that reflects the truth and righteousness of the Lord.
Social media tends to tempt us to respond in the flesh. We read into a post and fail to read them without some outside influence. We get into discussions and arguments not to share the righteousness of Christ but to "win" an argument to "make" a point. Instead, our mindset needs to adjust to sharing God's righteousness through social media. This approach is a very out-of-network approach to engaging.
SEEK TO REFLECT JESUS
James speaks of a man who gazes upon his image in the mirror and then forgets his appearance when he departs. This illustration reminds believers that our engagement with others, including social media, needs to occur without forgetting our identity in Christ. Instead, we need to live in a manner that remembers who we are in Christ and reflect Christ to others. James charged believers to live as one who remembers their purpose in Christ by living as a doer of the works of Christ.
When we engage on social media, our engagements must reflect Christ. If we claim to be a child of God, our posts, likes, and shares must show Jesus. When we analyze these social media engagements, we can discover our true identity in Christ and if we have handed our lives over to him as Lord and not just Savior. When we respond differently than the world, our out-of-social-network response reflects the goodness of the Lord and invites others to see Him through you. How are you reflecting Jesus in your social media presence?
SEEK TO MAKE A KINGDOM IMPACT
Social media could serve the self or the kingdom. However, if we approach social media as a platform to blast others, share our "opinions," and speak loosely, then we are not living in Christ and, as a result, reflect poorly on Christ. James declared that those who declare Christ as Savior but speak without controlling the tongue are useless and deceive themselves. Therefore, without caution, we can abandon the calling to self-control, live under the flesh's influence, and hurt our witness.
We must recognize that as ambassadors of God's kingdom, we make an eternal positive or negative impact. For example, if we misrepresent Christ through our actions, we guide people toward eternal separation from the Lord. On the other hand, if we represent Christ, our responses promote and share the opportunity for eternal life. Thus, we must seek to make a positive kingdom impact by reflecting on Jesus. Are you making a positive impact on Jesus?
This blog is part of the Coffee and Quiet Time with Jesus Devotional Series found at equippingfaith.com. Join the journey of reading through the New Testament this year. More information can be found at equippingfaith.com.
