Good morning, it is great to be back!
Thoughts for the Day, August 24, 2020
Rev. Fail offered an excellent message yesterday about the greatest commandment:
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12: 30-31)
He also discussed the Three Simple Rules of the UMC from a book written by Bishop Rueben Job. These rules also apply to how we live our online lives in social media. Rev Dan Gangler and Michael Rich expanded on Job’s ideas in an article about the 3 Simple Rules for Social Media. They remind us that rule #1: “’Do not harm’ means respecting the cultures and life situations of those with whom we minister.”
Sometimes when we communicate with people online, we may forget that we are speaking to recipients with feelings and emotions on the other end of the digital conversation. Because digital conversation is nonverbal it can easily be misunderstood and misinterpreted. Gangler and Rich offer these thoughts to consider when sharing on social media: (as well as our everyday in-person conversations)
· What is the intent of the post? Does it show Christ’s love or does it focus on judgment and condemnation?
· Do I speak disparagingly about anyone involved? Do I try to use facts and opinions to manipulate others to my viewpoint?
· Could this post “do harm” to the reputation of Christ, the church or another person or organization?
· Could someone interpret the post as harmful, offensive, rude or distasteful?
· Does this interaction recognize each person involved as a “loved child of God – a recipient of love unearned, unlimited and underserved – just like myself”?
Let’s ask God for discernment when engaging in social media, so that we always represent Christ in all forms of communication. Have a blessed and safe week!
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