Each one knows that the world is continually watching our actions when they know that we are Christians; with this in mind, what is the most significant action a Christian can take each day?
All of us are to let our light shine before men so they can see our good works and glorify God in heaven (Matthew 5.16), but what if we took that answer a little deeper. While our example is important to the world, what is the driving force behind your example?
If you had to describe the driving force behind your example, what would it be?
What is the greatest act of a Christian?
Jesus, being asked, “What is the greatest command?” The question was valid, and the response was godly. Jesus answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment.” (Matthew 22.37-38)
The great and first command is the greatest act a Christian can do each day – “Love the Lord.”
The second act of a Christian is the second command mentioned by Jesus, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 27.39)
You must admit, social media has taken the world by storm. Its presence in the lives of people across the globe is growing every day and businesses have grown and shrunk due to social media engagements. Considering the growth of social media and its future, what does the Bible say about social media?
Today, you can have a conversation with someone across the globe in a matter of moments. A few months ago, I had conversations with people in at least 12 different states, China, Japan, Sweden, England and a few other countries in just one day. We do live in an amazing world. It was not too long ago communication for many was a phone call or a letter. Today, communication occurs through our mobile phones, desktop computers, laptops, tablets and even the watch you may wear. Our availability of communication has increased, but has our communication?
So, what does the Bible say about social media?
First, the Bible does not specifically discuss social media, but its words were written long before the age of the internet. However, people were social and interacted with each other. They interacted in the marketplace, the synagogue, the temple and in their homes. Their relationships were personal and tangible.
Second, consider a few verses from the Bible when you post:
“Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” (Proverbs 16.24)
“Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.” (Proverbs 13.3.)
“A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.” (Proverbs 15.4)
“Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent.” (Proverbs 11.12)
“Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him.” (Proverbs 26.4)
Other Considerations:
Remember who and whose you are
Remind yourself that you are a light that shines
Write the post then reflect on it before posting it
Remember, social media is not the greatest thing ever. Jesus is.
It is a chilly, rainy Monday around this area. Today looks to be a good day to settle down in some research or one of the many books on the “to read” list. Days like this are so relaxing. I never consider them gloomy, but a time to relax and review what is important.
Below are a few short thoughts help you keep moving on this Monday morning.
Journaling Idea: Write about your most productive day and learn what steps you took to make it the most productive day.
Five Things I Learned Last Week
1 – Relax – Some days it is good to relax and do nothing. It is good to take a break and spend some time in relaxation and refreshment. For you, this might mean stepping away from the computer, email or Facebook. It might mean turning on some relaxing music and just drinking a cup of coffee. Here is an article from the Mayo Clinic on relaxation techniques and the benefits. Read more here. By the way, have you ever noticed how much Jesus withdrew Himself to be alone?
2 – A simple card does wonders – For the past several years, our Sunday morning adult Bible class has been sending cards to people. Some of the recipients are members of our congregation and some are not. Some are local friends and some are distant. Some are people that most know, others are people have one or two know. Each week, I pass a card at the beginning of Bible class and it is passed along for everyone to sign. Doing this not only helps the receiver, but many in our congregation find encouragement in being able to encourage others. Who are you encouraging?
3 – Audiobooks are worth the price – Some of you might be ones who like a good hardcover book in your hands and others might like reading on a Kindle or other device, but there is something to be said regarding audiobooks. I have listened to several audiobooks over the years and recently I have discovered the audio narration option on a few of the Kindle books in my digital library. With audiobooks, you can listen in your car, while you exercise, in your office and just about anywhere.
4 – More clothes than I need – Do you have a closest for of clothes? So do I. I probably have more clothes now that I have had in a long time. In fact, I probably have more stuff now than I have had in a long time. Have you ever seen the “My 100 Thing Challenge”? It is an interesting read. I am not agreeing with everything, but there is a benefit in living simpler. Soon, I will be doing away with at least 50% of my clothes. Simpler should be better.
5 – Doing the same thing, gets the same results – I forget the old quote but the definition of insanity is said to be doing the same things over and over and expecting the same results. As people, we like the comfortable an stable. We like doing the same things because they are comfortable. However, the same actions get the same results. If we want to grow, we need to step up our actions and thoughts and change the input to change the output. Do not change for the sake of change, but change because it is necessary. (Personal Note: Some things do not need to changes, just our actions toward them. We might need to examine our hearts and mind, along with our motivation and purpose.)
#MondayMotivation
There are people who need a little more motivation on a Monday. Here is a video from Michael Jr. I bet you have never thought of what it was like to be the younger brother of Jesus, but Michael Jr. did. Enjoy.
Today we all realize we should be thankful, but why?
Why should you be thankful?.
Thanksgiving ushers in the holiday season where families gather together, huge meals are prepared and served, days are filled with shopping and time is spent reflecting on the past year. It is during these times, we reflect on the blessings of our lives.
If we are honest with ourselves, we understand we are undeserving of many of our blessings. Despite our choices, we are blessed in ways we cannot imagine. As Christians, there are many reasons we should be thankful every day.
We have been made in God’s image. In the beginning, God said to Himself, “Let Us make man in Our own image, after Our likeness.” (Genesis 1.26) God made us as everlasting people. Shouldn’t we be thankful that everlasting life has been extended to us? Christians have an inheritance reserved in heaven. (1 Peter 1.4) Being made in the image of God, and by trusting in the One God sent, I can be released from the fear of death (Hebrews 2.14-15).
We have a Savior who cares for us? It is a terrible feeling to think that nobody cares, and many suffer in their loneliness. As a Christians, though we may have our moments of discouragements, we can never say, “Nobody cares about me.” Peter writes we can cast our cares on God because he cares for us (1 Peter 5.7). We are blessed to have a Savior to understands our needs (Hebrews 4.15).
We have Jesus as our justifier. In a sense, when we obeyed the gospel, Jesus no long stood as our judge, but He became our justifier. Paul said, “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? … It is God who justifies.” (Romans 8:31-34)
The title above is a question posted on my Facebook page every day at 3 pm, and the comments are growing and the private messages are interesting. There have been requests from family, friends, acquaintances and even friends of friends I do not know. Each request is important because someone needs prayer in their life.
Many times, people complicate religion and its actions, when many times they are very simple. The question, “How can we pray for you today?” is a simple question, but it can bring powerful results.
I started asking the question because there is a need for more prayer in our world. While Paul tells us to make our supplications and requests known to God (Philippians 4.6), we can also petition him on behalf of others:
Prayers for those who persecute and mistreat us (Matthew 5.44; Luke 6.28; Acts 7.60)
Prayer for the sick (James 5.16)
Prayer for other Christians (Ephesians 1.15-21; Hebrews 13.18-19)
Prayer for governmental leaders (1 Timothy 2.1-2
As God’s lights in the world, our lives should be filled with prayer (1 Thessalonians 5.17; Ephesians 6.18; Luke 18.1). Prayer is our communication with the Creator to share our joys, praises for Him, our woes and our burdens as well as requests for others.
I challenge you to ask others how you can pray for them. It might be a Facebook post, a text message or a face-to-face question, but ask them who you can pray for them. Who knows, it might lead to many powerful opportunities.
Maybe you can ask the question on Facebook, Twitter and other social media as well.
