Speaking Words of Love

Yesterday, I became an official employee of Lewisville ISD.  I had my security badge made, received information on benefits (Man, that felt good!), and watched videos on sexual harassment.  During the course of the discussion on hostile working environments, the facilitator gave all of us prospective employees best practice as it regards to social media.  She shared an unfortunate circumstance in which a teacher posted a very negative comment about her principal.  Of course, her fellow teachers saw this and it was turned in to her principal.  I remember thinking that it seemed so foolish to do something like that--really, who would do such a thing?

And then the day progressed...

I follow a number of young people from church on Twitter.  I am always impressed by the way that they conduct themselves on this particular form of social media.  I am inspired by their 'tweets' about living righteously.  They encourage one another with Scripture.  They try to speak words of love to one another.  Are they perfect?  No, of course not.  But if 98% of the time they are speaking words of truth and of love to one another, I would say that's a pretty good success rate. I suppose that what is shocking to me as I reflect on my fellow adults who utilize social media, is that we are being outdone by our younger brothers and sisters.  We (and I mean this collectively) should be a model for the young people that we come into contact with.  We should be urging them on to love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24).  Hey, we should be urging everyone to love and good deeds.

I am not naive.  I know that the internet is full of people of all ages who use and abuse it.  I know that there are a number of young people who do not speak words of love to one another.  But, I am pleased to be a part of a fellowship of believers who have a strong group of young believers.  I am honored to know them.  I am blessed by their desire to know God more and to serve Him with their lives.  God knows, I was not that righteous at 16 and 17 years old.

Yesterday, I saw something posted on Facebook that was shameful.  Today, it is gone, and I am glad.  It has bothered me that the one posting it thought that it would be a righteous thing to say publicly.  We celebrate so much online and put things out there that crush the spirits of those who see them.  I try really hard to make sure that the things I post are not going to hurt anyone.  It's tough, I'll admit it, because sometimes I get mad and I would like to 'tattle' a bit.  But, I know that if it's out there on the internet, it will be there forever.  That, plus the fact that I got called out once for a post on Facebook.  I'm a lot more careful now.

When I am discouraged or pensive, I often go to Psalm 37.  It is my favorite Psalm.  I would like to share Psalm 37:30:  "The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom, and their tongues speak what is just."  It is good to speak wisely and to say what is right.  The Lord blesses those who do.

Many blessings,

Jennifer