With whom do you share the details of your life? What's the latest count on the friends you have on Facebook? The grand total as of today is ____? And what details and messages are you sharing with your friends?
- "I just kissed my incredibly beautiful wife. What a sweetheart!"
- "Charlie, I always knew you were the greatest son a mother could ever ask for."
- "mmmmm.....more please."
- "Grrrrrh, why can a guy u love be so annoying!"
- "Shhhh. My first date. I think she is the one."
Really, are those personal details of your life appropriate content for all your so-called friends to read? Some of it is borderline pride and often pride comes before a fall. Revealing the thoughts of your heart to your 1311 friends - is that really a good thing to do? Have you ever wondered or even worried about what you've posted on Facebook? Even after you removed it the next day, have you ever had to explain it? "It was just how I was feeling that day. Don't read too much into it."
If you were personally with those 1311 people one on one would you hit them with any one of the above updates - right off the bat? Or might you save some of those details for a handful of your closest friends or even your closest friend in real life? Are those the type of things you would quickly share in a three minute encounter with high school friends if you met them this weekend or with work associates or neighbours?
Have you ever prayed about how you can use social media like Facebook for your personal benefit and for the benefit of others and God's glory? Ask the Lord to make you sensitive to what would be good to share and what is not necessary to share and what is totally inappropriate to share.
Yes, it is true - we are to live transparent lives. That simply means that if ever anyone was to investigate my private life, what they uncovered would not damage or destroy my public credibility. Don't confuse transparency with exposure and broadcasting private matters in your life.
Is there a Biblical example?
"The Lord confides in (shares His secrets with)
those that fear (reverence, respect) Him;
He makes His covenant known to them."
Psalm 25:14
There are some things we know about God. The incredible universe around us reveals unavoidable and obvious aspects of God. When the Lord Jesus came to earth, according to Hebrews Chapter 1, He was the revelation of God. But then there is the 'deliberate' secret-sharing when intimacy deepens and the Spirit of God enlightens us and gives us a greater appreciation of our Great God and Saviour. The more we spend time with Him by reading His Word and in prayer, the more we get to know Him and His secrets.
God shared secrets with Abraham only because of the relationship He enjoyed with him. He is called 'a friend of God.' Daniel knew His God. Who would ever doubt his loyalty and faithfulness to God? It is no small wonder then that we read God revealed secrets to Daniel. "The Lord confides and shares His secrets ONLY with those who fear, honor, and respect Him." (Only is implied.)
Remember that self-disclosure is exposure. Trace the qualities of wisdom and discretion throughout the Word of God - two qualities God values. The Proverbs speak often about fools who are always blabbing and speaking their mind and sharing everything that is on their heart, with no control over the doors of their mouth - the very opposite of a wise person.
"Lord, help me to share with others only details that are helpful and wise to share - information and details that You would want me to share. For the things that are tempting to share but would grieve You if I did so, give me the strength to keep it to myself."
Walk carefully and closely with the Lord today.
Warmly in Christ,
Peter Ramsay
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