Before You Hit “Share” or “Like”

(Unknown)
08/17/14 - Conduct

Before you hit "share" or "like" on that post or funny story, let it simmer for a bit and consider Paul's admonition from Philippians 4.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

• Is it true? Each and every day, hyped up fear fed articles are posted about new applications, foods, vaccines, politics, local events, the family next door… Many of them are just not so. Simple common sense should tell us that one-half of these things are not so, and discretion should eliminate the rest. If it is really that important take the time to do some fact checking.
• Is it honorable? Not every noteworthy event in life needs space in our heads. Mark you space with things worthy of real honor.
• Is it right? Fanning the fire of rebellion towards things that are truly right tears down the very ones who need help the most.
• Is it pure? It helps to become a little savvy with social media. Sometimes an old friend will pass along a great uplifting story, but they shared it from a Facebook group or page that either has a foul name, or commonly passes along material filled with profanity. Make a choice to check out first if the story is true, and then find a clean source to share. Not only will you help yourself, you help those who you want to encourage.
• Is it lovely? Your kids and grandkids are — that 14th million "share" of "people of Walmart" is not.
• Is it of good repute? Remember your reputation. When you share that page, your character goes with it, for good or ill, they will be latched together from that point on. Do you really think those two or three good things are worth the filth one needs to swim through.
• Is there any excellence? Is this really what it seems to be, and does it provide the best you want those whom you care about and lead to follow. Does it raise the bar?
• Is it worthy of praise? Life is already full of enough sorrow. Our broken hearts desperately need things worthy of praise and rejoicing.

Remember Solomon's admonition (Proverbs 4:34) — "Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life."

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