Does your social media interaction reflect your relationship with God?
If your pastor happened upon your news feed what would he see?
If a non believer looked at your postings would they see God or something else?
Before life as a blogger, these were questions I had never asked myself. I liked and shared things that interested me without thinking about how they would affect others. Suddenly I became an owner of a brand and each time I shared or liked something I asked myself, “Does this reflect what I stand for?”
I found the more I asked myself these questions I noticed a shift in what my profile looked like. The fluff posts disappeared and were replaced with bible verses and christian living and parenting posts.
Yes, I received a few complaints: “Post more of your kids.” “I miss the old Facebook.” “We never know what is going on anymore!”
One of the benefits I found was a peace that was missing before. I no longer cringed going onto my social media sites. Yes, some people didn’t like it, but I found for every one person who didn’t like the change, there where four that did!
Think Before You Share.
Are you sharing something good? Lovely? Encouraging? Are your motives in the right place? Could it wound another friend – even a little? Don’t post it.
Don’t Air Your Dirty Laundry.
Have an issue with someone? Dealing with some issues personally? Don’t post them on Facebook. Facebook is not a clothes line to air your dirty laundry. It’s a place to connect. Sometimes our negativity can affect other people.
Don’t tap out your emotional energy on negative things on Facebook.
Avoid articles that look like they would hurt you emotionally. Don’t follow people whose status’ often stress you out. Even if it’s family!
Keep Your Friend List Short.
Some people have over 100, 200, and 1,000 friends on their profile. That’s a lot of people. Facebook is not a popularity contest! I keep my friends list short – 80. It’s the right number for me to balance everything. If I haven’t had a conversation with the person in a year or two (especially on Facebook) they are off of my friends list. God gives us seasons of friendship and some are meant to be let go!
Protect Your Children!
Theres nothing cuter than seeing pictures of children, but lets be smart about it. Please do not post things with your children’s school names, teams or other lettering that can allow a stranger to locate them. Also please post pictures with modest clothing. I use a free photo editing site to watermark the pictures I post on the web.
I hope these suggestions will help you feel better about your social media interactions. Like all things, it can be a great experience if you set up healthy boundaries.
Latest posts by Candice (see all)
- 5 Tips to Bring Joy Back into Christmas - December 8, 2014
- My Top 5 Bible Studies - November 12, 2014
- A Special Look at Halloween - October 27, 2014
Great article, Candice! One thing I have found helpful with Facebook is “hiding”. There are some people I’m friends with that, if I unfriended them, it would cause more drama than the aggravation I feel at reading their posts. So what I do is hide them from my news feed. I don’t see any of their stuff, but, since we’re still friends, they’re still exposed (assuming they haven’t hidden me from their news feed!) to the Scriptures and other gospel-centered stuff I post.
That’s a great tip “hiding” people. I have done that in the past and have found it helpful too. Thanks Michelle for the reminder!
Great thoughts Candice, some of your statements touch on the reasons that I got rid of facebook and twitter for good. Not saying that everyone should do that, but it was best for me. 🙂
Shirley, that’s great that your taking care of your soul! My husband also made the same move as you recently and loves it. For me right now the positives out weight the negative, (mostly I use it for blogging and finding deals on children’s toys) but if that changes it would be gone to 🙂
Interesting post! I have even hidden ex-family members’ posts on Facebook because they’re often crude – and I’d be embarrassed for other people to see them. And wouldn’t want people to think I talk or think that way.
Thanks for linking up at Tips and Tricks! You shared some great stuff this week. Pinned.
I agree…we have to be very guarded on social media. Share yes, but use wisdom 🙂
Thanks for sharing on this week’s Share Your Stuff Tuesdays!!! We hope to have you join us again next week 🙂
(Rachael @ http://www.parentingandhomeschoolinginfaith.com)
“Don’t air your dirty laundry” – I totally agree! Sadly I’ve had to unfriend quite a few people because their posts were full of drama!