Do we really need one more blog post? One more book written? One more social media comment? As mentioned already in previous blog posts, I love words. In fact, helping others regain their words (after an injury) was my chosen career many years ago. So, don’t get me wrong here: I love words. However, I’m beginning to wonder if all of our words are sounding a bit like Charlie Brown’s teacher: “Wah, wah, wah, wah”–she was talking, but you had no idea what she was saying.
Do not be rash with your mouth, and let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heaven and you on earth; therefore let your words be few. Ecclesiastes 5:2
Maybe that blog post (maybe this blog post!) needs to be written. Maybe that book too. Even that social media comment. But, if we are venturing to share our wisdom with the world in any form or fashion, I sure hope we are fearing God and asking Him for wisdom with our words.
May I share just a few considerations when posting on social media or speaking in general? (And, don’t worry, I am preaching to myself first and foremost.)
- Is this pointing to Christ or me? If you are just sharing your opinion in a debate, I promise you it sounds like Charlie Brown’s teacher. Wah, wah, wah, wah. People want truth. This is why we’re discouraged with the news and so-called “experts” who contradict one another. But, guess what? Jesus Christ is THE way, THE truth, and THE life. Point to Him.
- Examine your spirit (discernment). Am I trying to prove a point to someone? Should I take this concern to them privately instead?
- Does this unify the Body of Christ or work to divide it? In other words, am I throwing the ball towards my team’s goal, or am I helping the enemy out?
- Is this an essential issue worthy of standing firm and possible division? I’m not telling you to ignore heresy here. If someone states that Jesus Christ isn’t the only way to Heaven, or that He wasn’t sinless, for example, then you better speak the Truth loud and clear. But, if this is a secondary issue that isn’t essential to salvation in Christ alone, then move along.
- As Paul told the Romans, “Love one another and outdo one another in showing honor.” Remember God’s immeasurable grace towards you? Heap that upon others as He’s lavished it upon you. If you are speaking or writing to another Christ-follower, make your goal love and honor. If you are speaking or writing to an unbeliever, this should be your goal all the more so that Christ may be glorified.
Later in Ecclesiastes 5 we read: For in the multitude of dreams and many words there is also vanity. But fear God. Confess vanity in our words. We are not God. Stand in awe of Him, fear this Holy King, know our position (and His), and may our words be few, wise, loving, and true.
Love, Wendy
