A couple of days ago I received a tweet from @Sean_Breslin
telling me he had used one of my tweets in an article for The Weather Channel.
To say I was surprised is a major understatement. I was shocked even more when
I saw that it was simply a random tweet I hurled into cyber-space about my
morning run in Tennessee. However, he thought it fit his story and he used it.
Now, the funny thing is Sean never asked permission. He just
used it. And, I was okay with him posting it on a major website for millions of
people to read without my permission.
You see, here’s what I understand about social media;
*What you tweet can and will be used against or for you.
*Once you tweet it or facebook it – you can’t take it back.
*Like it or not, some people will judge you by what you
tweet.
*Social media has the power to influence others in a
positive or negative way.
Social media is the use of words. And words are POWERFUL.
James reminds us of the power of our words in James chapter 3.
With
the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings,
who have been made in God's likeness.10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My
brothers and sisters, this should not be.11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same
spring?12 My brothers and
sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a
salt spring produce fresh water. (NIV)
So, the next time you post a random tweet or write something
on your facebook wall remember the words of James – it may seem harmless – but
it can destroy – start a fire – ruin your world – bring chaos. Or your words
can bring encouragement, hope, joy, praise, influence and blessing.
Here are a few rules that might help you when considering
what to post or tweet;
1.) If you wouldn’t say it to your mom’s face then don’t
tweet it.
2.) Never air out your dirty laundry between friends, your
kids, your family, or your spouse in a tweet.
3.) Never tweet in anger.
What rules would you add?
What rules would you add?
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