MySpace Is Your Space

There are a few popular on-line websites like MySpace and Facebook that were created as "social utilities" to provide people the opportunity to keep up with friends, tell people about themselves, and express themselves in different ways. This includes pictures, information about likes and dislikes, random thoughts, and anything else that someone might want to say. Most people consider this harmless fun that gives them a chance to be creative and connect with their friends. But there are a lot of things that people put on their pages that is, to put it bluntly, rude and vulgar. Certainly not anything that someone who claims to be a Christian would want to be identified with.

What's on your space (if you have one)? Is it something that you would mind your parents seeing? Would you be embarrassed if I saw it? For some of you, I have seen it. I did some surfing in the last week and saw pages for several of you. Based on what I saw, let me offer some thoughts.

(1) People are reading what you are writing. Often, it's not the people that you intended to read it (like me). If you knew that your parents or I were going to see what's on your page, would you still put it there? If you had to read it aloud to Jesus, would it still be the same? (Just as a reminder, He does know what's there.) And, like gossip, once it's out there, you can't take it back. Even if you remove it from the site, there's the possibility that it has been copied and forwarded for others to read.

(2) Words have meaning. When you put something on a website or in an e-mail or text it to someone, it's just as if you had spoken it. When we say things, people interpret what we say and assume that it represents what we think. If you put the lyrics to a song on your site, people will associate those lyrics with you personally. Make sure it's something that you really want to reflect your values.

(3) Words have consequences. When you say something (spoken or written), you may regret it later. Those words may make people think more highly of you, or they may make them think less of you. Words can inspire us, but they can also hurt people. Paul tells us in Philippians to think about things that are excellent and praiseworthy. James says our speech should be consistent, not praising God one minute then saying hurtful things to our friends the next. Choose your words carefully.

Take a look at what you say online with fresh eyes. Does it reflect
well on you as a Christian? Does it build people up instead of hurting them? Would God be pleased?

Have a great week, and keep your light shining.

(From the Johnson Street Youth Group Trumpeter, 3/16/08)