O Be Careful Little Thumbs What You Tweet
It used to be that when people rushed to judgement or mistakenly over-reacted, they did it in private around the water cooler, over the back fence, or at the dinner table. But now, oh no, not us! Instead of being convicted that “the Father up above is looking down in love” on our fleshly private chatter, we choose to document our foolishness for all to see in the most public forum ever invented by mankind.
Christian leaders today find themselves rushing to judgment in the great big eye of social media and the impact is devastating (Joining a Mob: World). Want to be surrounded by hate? Tell the world exactly how you feel without taking a day or an hour to reflect or investigate. Throw thoughtfulness to the side, grab a torch and pitchfork and join the mob in shouting, “Kill the beast!”
Such is the case regarding the conflict at the Lincoln Memorial. Media members and other leaders–even Christian leaders–rushed to condemnation. (Joining a Mob: World) In the face of clarifying facts, some recanted their criticisms while others doubled down in their condemnation rather than admit error. There is a huge temptation to do this. It is HARD to admit you are wrong on such a public stage. I know, I have had to do it a few times.
Christians should know better. A 3000 year old Proverb properly assesses and condemns this problem. Those of us who believe in the Book would do well to live by it.
He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him. (Proverbs 18:13)
I have enough enemies in this world. I do not want to compound my problems by bringing shame on myself with hasty and misinformed words. The bigger my audience is, the bigger the shame.
There are more ancient instructions for this digital age.
A fool utters all his mind: but a wise man keeps it in till afterwards. (Proverbs 29:11)
The uncomfortable truth is that not one person in the whole wide world is so wise–so incredibly sagacious–that others should know everything that person is thinking at any given moment. It’s only a fool who thinks he or she is actually that important. Those of us who regularly venture into the world of social media should keep this in mind.
James chimes in on this. So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath. (James 1:19)
I need to–we all need to–pause, step away from the keyboard, cool down, and maybe even pray about it before clicking “share.” After all, even a fool, when he holds his peace, is counted wise: and he that shuts his lips is esteemed a man of understanding. (Proverbs 17:28)
Time to push the “publish” button. May God help me.