The Fools on Social Media

Last night, near where I live, there was a special election to fill a congressional seat vacated by a man the President named to his cabinet.  What a happy day!  Now I can once again watch TV, free from an absolute barrage of political commercials from both "sides of the aisle".  Pundits claim that more money was spent on this special election than on any other in American history!  If you don't live near me, just try to imagine how many ads there were....

A local TV news station did a running Facebook Live broadcast last night, which I was watching on my iPad. As is the case with those Facebook Live events, people watching were able to comment throughout. Oh my goodness, the lack of civility and even hate that came through in some of those comments!  In continuing my mini-study of fools from scripture, I realized that this uncivil discourse is a perfect illustration of the behavior of fools.

Now, don't get me wrong.  I am very involved in social media.  I use it to promote this blog and other aspects of my ministry as well as my business interests.  Social media is not inherently bad.  What's harmful and destructive is using it like a fool.  Let's take a look at some relevant scriptures.

A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.

Proverbs 29:11 (ESV)

The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores an insult.

Proverbs 12:16 (ESV)

Unfortunately, the "anonymity" of social media makes it possible for people to give full vent to their spirits!  The unregenerate man, the person who does not believe in Jesus Christ as Savior, has no Holy Spirit living inside him, to temper that type of verbal vitriol (or to counteract any other sinful action, for that matter).  And, as a result, this is what we often see on social media - - people "venting their spleens" with abandon!  But, you know, it's not altogether unexpected behavior from non-Christians.

Ok, you know what's coming, don't you?

Sadly, the same is often seen from those who claim the name of Jesus Christ.  You can say, "Oh, there are trolls out there - - people claiming to be Christians who are masquerading in order to defame the cause of Christ."  Well, that is certainly true, but that does NOT explain away all of the dastardly, foolish behavior actual Christians display on social media.

As those who carry the name of Jesus wherever we go, we should be ashamed if we have engaged in such.  It should trouble us greatly, whether we are "anonymous" or not, because He (God) sees and knows who is speaking condescension, vitriol and even hate.  That should convict and shame us more than anything.  He sees and He knows.

This type of unholy speech is born from anger in the heart of the speaker, always.  Fools are described in scripture as angry people.

Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the bosom of fools.

Ecclesiastes 7:9 (ESV)

There are fools, to be sure, but there are also Christians who act like fools with their unloving words. Don't let anger reside in your heart.  God is in control of all things.  DO contend for the faith in Jesus Christ and for what is right!  But remember this - - - It is possible to stand for Truth firmly, even loudly, and still do it in a respectful, loving manner.  That is what Jesus did, after all.  If we are going to ask folks to "follow" us on social media, we had better be following the One we are supposed to be following!