You're Doing it Wrong!

Well, maybe not you, but I bet the title got your attention!
Now that I’ve got you, what the heck am I talking about?

I used to be a social media nightmare.  I posted pretty much 24/7.  I actually have a friend who unfriended me on Facebook because she said I was “too talkative, you constantly flood my news feed.”  That alone wasn’t exactly a crime against humanity.  But, at one point, I realized that I had slipped in to a pattern of negativity.  My negative posts outweighed the positive by somewhere in the neighborhood of 95%.
I had also gotten quite “good” at online arguments.
But then I had a conversation with a friend who had been struggling with those who call themselves Christians but post negativity and pick fights.  He hadn’t directed these comments at me, but they caused me to analyze my own habits.

I was reminded of the verses James 3:
9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

Adjusting my words and attitudes on Facebook has brought around changes I had never expected.  First, I believe it has brought credibility to my claims to be a follower of Christ and things such as this blog.  Second, I think it’s my general outlook has improved.  No longer do I focus on negativity and I get along with people better.

One unexpected benefit has been the outpouring of love and support I have received over the past couple of months.  Those of you who know me know that my father died two weeks ago.  I have been overwhelmingly blessed by so many of you!
Recently I posted a need for a dog sitter.  Again, my network of friends was there for me!  And when I was a nervous wreck over impending dental work I received so many kind words!
I have come to realize that this is what social networking is all about.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s not a substitute for personal interaction.  Rather, it’s a tool that can be used to enhance relationships.
I just got home from the dentist after having major work.  I hope that all made sense.

God bless y’all!