Blogging can be good for your image. As can Facebook and twitter. It can also be terrible. There are a couple of scriptural principles that make this important. I am also going to offer some observations from my time as a social media participant.


1. Your reputation and name matter.
   Proverbs 22:1- a good name is more desirable than great riches. To be esteemed is more valuable than silver and gold.

Now no doubt your name and reputation are formed from more than just social media. But don't fool yourself into thinking that who you are online does not affect who people perceive you to be. If you are mean or continuously cuss or post images, songs and quotes that are offensive... People will be offended. Don't be shocked as if your Facebook is some private world where you can be your most awful self. It is the world wide web after all. Be who you are at all times and use the tool of social media to see if you like what you see. And for those Christ followers out there...do you see Christ in who you are portraying yourself to be? You should.

2. Don't post what you would not say. But since you are, use it as an opportunity.
  Matthew 12:34....for out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.

In affect, you cannot help but post who you are. Some of us on social media need to realize that Facebook/twitter is not a discussion board for mental health professionals. It is also not a passive aggressive whipping post for every person who has wronged you.

Others of us need to realize that it is a place where people are expressing their hurts and hang ups. We would do well to minister the healing balm of Christ's love to those people. There is a wealth of opportunity to reach in and Speak truth. When possible, do this In person. It has become socially acceptable to admit your stalker tendencies in real life. "Hey... I noticed on Facebook that you seemed really discouraged." This is a tool for real life love; use it.

We are all affected by the presence of social media in the world. It has changed the way we do relationships. Why not work to make sure that is a good change for people and not a damaging one?