Over the past several months as I have watched the current debates in the SBC, my concerns have increased exponentially over the tones, attitudes, and assumptions made about and toward each other. The spirit of the debate in my mind overshadows the debate itself. No doubt the issues between all the players in the SBC need to be considered, discussed, and carefully responded to. However, even where and when you are right, your heart and motivation matters as you discuss these issues. You need to be more than just right.
Meditate on Truth First Before You Tweet
Before you Tweet, please take a moment to consider these four passages and four questions.
Matthew 7:1-5
Before we hit the send button to help someone else see the error of his or her way theologically, we must consider our own eye first.
1 “Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. 3 And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? 5 Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. (Matthew 5:1-5)
The person with whom we have a theological or methodological beef may in fact be very wrong. We may understand that exegetically, theologically, and methodologically. Everything in our theological cube may call us to correct another person; however, being right is not enough.
Question One: Do you consider your own heart before you tweet out to another person?
John 13-17
Every time we engage with each other, our engagement should reflect two realities. Moments before Jesus’ death, He challenged His disciples with these two standards for our treatment of each other.
34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)
20 “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. (John 17:20-23)
Two characteristics of each follower of Christ should stand out above all: love for each other and unity with each other. Love demonstrates you are a disciple of Christ. Unity demonstrates the reality of Jesus Christ as sent from the Father.
Question Two: If an unbeliever reads your Twitter feed, would they be convinced that both you are a follower of Christ and that Jesus is real?
1 Timothy 4:12-16
Paul challenges each of us to exercise and practice godliness. As he describes it, he writes:
12 Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. … 15 Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. 16 Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you. (1 Timothy 4:12-16)
We are to be an example of godliness – of Christlikeness – to those around us. How are we to do that? In word – which includes what we tweet. In love – which speaks to our hearts toward those with whom we disagree.
Question Three: Is your tweet an example of Christlikeness for those who read you?
Ephesians 4
Paul wants everything we say to each other to build others up in Christ.
15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— (Eph 4:15).
29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. (Eph 4:29-32)
As we speak truth to each other, our words should reflect kindness, must communicate tenderheartedness, and edify those who read them. Further, our words should not grieve the Holy Spirit, reflect a bitter spirit, or tear others down. In every kind of communication, as followers of Christ, we must speak truth in love which builds others into Christ.
Question Four: Does your tweet reflect love that builds others up in Christ?
Continue the Conversation in Ways that Honor Christ
How does this conversation continue?
Unless something changes, our testimony before Christ and the world is in trouble. We speak of wanting to reach the world for Jesus Christ, yet we fail to use self-control in our conversations with each other. This is wrong.
I recently smiled as I called a dear friend of mine a provocateur. However, many seem to enjoy just stirring the pot, poking others in the eye, and making their point. Our conversations must not include name-calling, rudeness, and assuming each others’ motives. Instead, as we communicate, we need to address the issues without attacking the proponent of the opposing viewpoint.
Where should we confront each other then and help with false teaching (as Paul did to Peter’s face in the public Christian meeting)? In private. On our personal blogs, while choosing to speak with each other without making it personal. Here is the problem: Twitter is not face-to-face. Twitter is a public space including many unbelievers. Certainly, Twitter is not the space to sin publicly and attack each other in unbiblical ways.
Friends, please, let’s do better. Am I perfect? Have I ever spoken in words and tones that were sinful? No doubt, I have. I am not pleading with you as ambassadors of Jesus Christ (2 Cor 5:18-21) as an innocent person; however, I am asking that we all do better.
Will you join me in considering our hearts, motives, and actions before we tweet? At least begin by asking these four key questions:
As an Ambassador of Jesus Christ…
Question One: Do you consider your own heart before you tweet out to another person?
Question Two: If an unbeliever reads your Twitter feed, would they be convinced that both you are a follower of Christ and that Jesus is real?
Question Three: Is your tweet an example of Christlikeness for those who read you?
Question Four: Does your tweet reflect love that builds others up in Christ?
KevinCarson.com | Wisdom for Life in Christ Together
