Speak Less....
Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions. Proverbs 18:2
I read this scripture in the car yesterday with my kids. We talked about what it meant. We gave examples of how we and others are inclined to share their opinions. Even when not asked.
In the digital age of social media, and internet platforms, it is very hard NOT to air our opinions. We often think the world needs to know what we have to say.
But, that is not always the case. So often, God's Word teaches us to hold our tongues. Even telling us that fools are thought wise when they keep their mouths shut. [Proverbs 17:28] Wow.
When we speak/post/share before wisely thinking it through, it affects others. Not always for the good.
The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences. Proverbs 18:21
It takes discipline and lots of prayer and wisdom to hold our tongues. I have not perfected it and have a very long way to go.
However, I want to be wise. I want to be more understanding, and I want to be a listener instead of constantly talking/sharing/posting.
Since I love to write, I often will post things on Instagram just to get the words out. However, I have to be careful with my words.
Others are watching. And listening. And taking it all in.
Do my words honor God or am I just trying to get my point across.
This has been my struggle with social media. If we are not careful it can become self-focused and self-centered. And self-promoting.
We can also become a stumbling block to others. Paul pointedly speaks of this in the book of Romans.
13 So let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall. Romans 14:13
I recently posted pictures of a vacation my family and I were on. A few weeks later, I asked the Lord to please not let those pictures be a stumbling block to others.
The only reason I knew to pray this was because I have felt that way when coming across posts. It is not necessarily our intention to make others feel this way, but we still must seek wisdom before we act.
Social media is just a glimpse of the good days. Often filtered so much that the truth barely squints through.
Listen closely. I am not saying that we have to be afraid to post a picture or talk. I am just saying that we need to become wiser and more thoughtful about the way things will come across a filtered screen.
Like it or not, others are watching. Always watching and taking it in.
A dear friend called me about an hour ago saying this exact thing. She reminded me that even when we think no one is listening or watching, someone always is.
For those of us on the older spectrum--young girls and young mothers are watching. Learning.
How are we behaving online and offline?
Would we want our daughters doing what we do?
If not, let's do better.
Let's speak less and listen more.
Let's lead by our actions and not just our words.
Being a Christian in today's culture is a high calling. We cannot take it lightly. God has called us specifically to this era of time for such a time as this.
What an honor it is, and we must make the most of every opportunity.
listening more,
jill
I read this scripture in the car yesterday with my kids. We talked about what it meant. We gave examples of how we and others are inclined to share their opinions. Even when not asked.
In the digital age of social media, and internet platforms, it is very hard NOT to air our opinions. We often think the world needs to know what we have to say.
But, that is not always the case. So often, God's Word teaches us to hold our tongues. Even telling us that fools are thought wise when they keep their mouths shut. [Proverbs 17:28] Wow.
When we speak/post/share before wisely thinking it through, it affects others. Not always for the good.
The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences. Proverbs 18:21
It takes discipline and lots of prayer and wisdom to hold our tongues. I have not perfected it and have a very long way to go.
However, I want to be wise. I want to be more understanding, and I want to be a listener instead of constantly talking/sharing/posting.
Since I love to write, I often will post things on Instagram just to get the words out. However, I have to be careful with my words.
Others are watching. And listening. And taking it all in.
Do my words honor God or am I just trying to get my point across.
This has been my struggle with social media. If we are not careful it can become self-focused and self-centered. And self-promoting.
We can also become a stumbling block to others. Paul pointedly speaks of this in the book of Romans.
13 So let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall. Romans 14:13
I recently posted pictures of a vacation my family and I were on. A few weeks later, I asked the Lord to please not let those pictures be a stumbling block to others.
The only reason I knew to pray this was because I have felt that way when coming across posts. It is not necessarily our intention to make others feel this way, but we still must seek wisdom before we act.
Social media is just a glimpse of the good days. Often filtered so much that the truth barely squints through.
Listen closely. I am not saying that we have to be afraid to post a picture or talk. I am just saying that we need to become wiser and more thoughtful about the way things will come across a filtered screen.
Like it or not, others are watching. Always watching and taking it in.
A dear friend called me about an hour ago saying this exact thing. She reminded me that even when we think no one is listening or watching, someone always is.
For those of us on the older spectrum--young girls and young mothers are watching. Learning.
How are we behaving online and offline?
Would we want our daughters doing what we do?
If not, let's do better.
Let's speak less and listen more.
Let's lead by our actions and not just our words.
Being a Christian in today's culture is a high calling. We cannot take it lightly. God has called us specifically to this era of time for such a time as this.
What an honor it is, and we must make the most of every opportunity.
listening more,
jill
