Does your status accurately reflect all of who you are?
Are you only posting about the drama in your life? Are you hoping to seem clever? Are you displaying only what you feel is socially acceptable? If all someone knew about you was from your posted status, how would they describe you? Would they really know who you are?
How would people describe you as a Christian?
Are you genuine and appropriately transparent? Are you putting up a front and only showing what you think others want to see? Are you willing to be vulnerable? Are you the same person in private and in public? Do you act like a Christian only when others are watching? If people were to describe Christians based on only you, what would that description be? Would it accurately reflect Christ?
What’s the goal?
As Christians, our goal is to show the world what Christ is like. This does not mean we need to be perfect. That’s not possible this side of Heaven anyway. It does mean that we need to continually improve, which comes when we pursue holiness.
Pursuing holiness – being set apart – means doing our best to apply scripture – all of it – to our lives. Pursuing holiness means having a contagious Christ-like attitude. In today’s technological age, contagious means viral.
Do you have a Christ-like attitude that’s going viral, or do you have a negative and critical attitude that others are catching?
As a Christian, be authentic by letting the character of Christ in you be your status. Let the Holy Spirit present opportunities to be real – flaws and all – in a way that shows the grace and mercy of Christ. Authenticity means progress toward perfection as we seek to increase the fruits of the spirit in our lives.
The goal is not to appear perfect. Instead, live with a sincere heart
“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)
A worthy status to be sure.
tnealtarver
Interesting and challenging questions, Kari. Chris Patton's post a week or two ago highlighted Jim Elliott's life. I liked the phrase Elliott used. "I want to be a crisis man," meaning to live a life for Christ that brings others to a point of decision.
I will admit I'm more mature and serious when I'm around some people or in certain situations than others. When I'm at a baseball game though, I tend to be more like a kid.
Kari Scare
I actually read Chris' post too and was challenged by it also. We definitely do have to show different aspects of our personality based on the situation and context, which is essentially what you are getting at with being serious vs. being more like a kid. I need to be better at adapting myself like that. I tend to be too serious too much.
Loren Pinilis
I've had people actually tell me that facebook made them depressed – everyone's life seemed so perfect and wonderful. But then she said she realized that no one posts pictures of them not having fun on facebook. I told her I would do that just as a laugh, haha.
Kari Scare
I just get a sense of a “front” being put on. Makes me uncomfortable. Actually, I don’t have a personal FB page because I think I would be too transparent and honest, if that makes sense. It was a deliberate choice much for that reason alone.
Diane
I don't post much on Facebook but I do notice how many people post that they "will pray" for another. I just wonder about the sincerity of it all. Do you post what others want to see or what you really will do? Don't post that you will pray for all to see, JUST DO IT, and Jesus will see.
Kari Scare
Words and actions must come together and not contradict. Our inner lives and our outer lives must not contradict. Others will eventually notice, and God always sees.