So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days (Eph. 5:15-16 NLT).
From a very young age, I’ve loved technology. Being a shy person, I like using a screen to help me communicate with others. Some have said that we spend too much time behind a screen, but all I see is how much more open the world is for me. Before the pandemic hit, I searched for a church home in this new city I’m in with my mom and sister. The pandemic hit and brought that search to a halt. Technology gave us the ability to connect with our church home several states away.
There is a positive and negative outcome in our world of technology and social media. Let me take a little of your time and break down Ephesians 5:15-16 in the way that the holy spirit revealed it to me.
“So be careful how you live:” This means how we live off and on social media, pay attention to what we put on your social media pages. Is it uplifting to others? Is it edifying Christ?
“Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise:” This scripture tells us to be mindful of every aspect of our lives. Just because what we’re saying is the truth doesn’t give us the right to be mean-spirited and messy. We should continually examine the way we use our words. Even when sharing images, just because we think a picture is okay doesn’t mean it’s appropriate as we may be sharing the wrong message.
“Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days:” These days, especially with the pandemic and people staying away from each other socially, technology has become the way to keep connected. Because of my medical condition and low immune system, I am completing my bachelor’s online, attending church online, and communicating with my friends online. It may not be ideal, but I am making the most of every opportunity these days, like many of us.
Here’s the bottom line: in all that I do, I should watch what I put on social media because:
Employers check out their employee’s social media sites
What people see about me on social media shapes their perspective of who I am
Who I am should reflect Christ
My image matters
God sees it all. I can’t hide from him
Dear Lord, help me to continue to trust in the guidance that you give me. Help me always think of you on social media to demonstrate your love for the world consistently. I ask that you bless this world with love and peace as we go through difficult times. In Jesus’ name, I pray, AMEN.