I really enjoy Facebook. I like Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+ as well. They are great ways to communicate with others.
But I have noticed something.
Loud mouthed, headstrong, opinionated people, are a menace to their team; those who believe like them or have the same cause.
Self-centered, narrow-minded people actually jeopardize their cause.
Is it wrong to have an opinion? Of course not. Everyone has one; or two, for that matter. Having a belief, even a strong belief, is an important part of one’s character. The old saying is true: “people who stand for nothing fall for anything”.
The problem isn’t so much what one believes, or how strong they believe it.
People who are a danger to their cause are those who don’t understand how to communicate their beliefs.
They don’t listen to anyone speak but themselves. And they apparently don’t listen to the way THEY speak! Or else they’re too absorbed with their own “importance” to care.
Sarcasm, swear words, and sneering doesn’t bring credibility to anyone’s speech.
Loud, lurid or lofty language won’t enhance communication.
Volume doesn’t equal veracity.
Interrupting someone only hinders social intercourse.
The cause may be the most important movement ever; life or death, Heaven or Hell could be the stakes. But without true communication, the message is lost.
Even online.
Facebook, Twitter, and other social media tools are wonderful to use. But one still must remember the need to “communicate”. Putting someone or their beliefs down is not the way to win people over to the “other side.”
Scripture says of Jesus, “Look at my Servant, whom I have chosen. He is my Beloved, who pleases me. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations. He will not fight or shout or raise his voice in public. He will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle. Finally he will cause justice to be victorious. And his name will be the hope of all the world.” (Matthew 12:18-21 NLT)
“He will not fight or shout or raise his voice in public. He will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle.”
“Crush the weakest reed”, or intimidate by bullying, talking louder, or just acting mean.
“Put out a flickering candle”; some people are so close, so right on the fence, of either having hope or being lost forever. We must not extinguish what little light they have just because it’s not as bright or the same color as ours.
Christian: you have the greatest cause in the world! And there are plenty of people trying discredit the message by discrediting the messenger. We best not add fuel to their fire. Think about how you represent the One Who sent you!
Even without actually being heard, people can be rude, impatient, impolite, negative, or just downright offensive; thinking they have that right because it’s free speech.
Rude people, people who lack manners, will act that way whether they’re talking or typing.
We have the right to freely speak, but if the idea is to present the Good News to our world, we must speak and act like Jesus.
“Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” (Luke 15:1-2 ESV)
Jesus spoke with love and truth in His heart in a way that connected with other’s hearts. He didn’t speak down to them, even though He came from above and was above all. He didn’t treat them as filthy, unimportant, stupid sinners. He saw them for what they were; sheep without a shepherd. And because He knew their value, even though they were in a condition He didn’t approve of, He communicated WITH them.
If you have something worth saying, it’s worth hearing. Act like you’ve been brought up!
Use social tools wisely. Don’t discredit the greatest story of all by acting like an ignorant, loud mouthed punk who’s just spoiling for a fight.
Who knows, someone just might stop and pay attention to your message!
If it’s worth hearing!
Jan Grace 