Tag Archives: Facebook

Careless Speech, Harvard Lessons, and Wisdom from the Word

Posted on June 7, 2017 | Comments Off on Careless Speech, Harvard Lessons, and Wisdom from the Word

In light of everything else going on in the world today, it is barely a story. Ten kids who had been accepted into Harvard made some really dumb choices about what to post and say in a Facebook chat room. Then Harvard rescinded their offers.

But if you read the headlines, you would think that their lives were “ruined.” Please. To suggest that their lives are ruined is… a stretch. Ten really smart kids with great grade point averages and high SAT scores are going to be ok. In fact, they will probably be better off…if they gain wisdom from their mistake.

It is best to learn this universal truth when you are young – actions have consequences!

Careless words on social media are not just harmless speech in an alternate reality. They will be used against you. The comments and pictures they shared were racist, sexist, anti-Semitic, and promoted pedophilia and suicide. And Harvard held them accountable.

Good advice for kids hasn’t changed in 3,000 years. In Proverbs 4, the wise teacher gives advice to his son. Here are a few excerpts, but the chapter is worth a read:

  • My child, listen closely to my teachings and learn common sense.
  • Be wise and learn good sense…
  • Don’t follow the bad example of cruel and evil people… Stay away from them.
  • Carefully guard your thoughts…

Wisdom is not easily learned. It involves a few hard knocks.

While these kids are, no doubt, exceptionally bright, this week they earned a little wisdom…if they learn from their mistakes. We hope the wisdom gained today will stick with them as future elected officials, doctors, lawyers, bankers, etc. Careless words have consequences.

The Bible is clear that we will all be called into account for our careless words (Matthew 12:36). Specifically, we will be judged by whether we confessed Jesus as the Son of God or not. Does your speech foolishly mock God and His grace?

Christ is the only true forgiveness for all our sins. Be wise and learn that lesson while there is still time. With wise speech, confess Jesus as Lord and Savior today!

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His Dignity Is The Real Deal

Posted on May 3, 2017 | Comments Off on His Dignity Is The Real Deal

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).

It’s about dignity. Simple, human, dignity. And yet, actual dignity is often hampered by human involvement. Consider recent examples:

Most people know that all races should be treated with dignity. Yet, as recently seen at Fenway Park, we have a long way to go before dignity prevails. The Boston Red Sox and the Mayor are still apologizing to Orioles’ Adam Jones for racist taunts and items thrown at him during Monday’s game.

Most people know that both men and women should be treated with dignity. But, we still have a long way to go before men and women receive equal dignity. Recent news, even from a progressive company such as Facebook, shows that coding by women gets rejected much more often than that of men for the same quality of work.

Most people know that rich and poor should be treated with dignity. But recent news from United Airlines has proven that many people still determine how to treat others based on finances. When a passenger was violently ejected from a flight, it wasn’t just his forcible removal that made headlines. The more sinister revelation was the math that proved that less dignity is regularly given to customers who are worth the least to the company.

None of this is surprising. We live in a sinful world where people, even those with good intentions, will fall short of the glory of God. But does the Christian have a solution?

Yes, Jesus is the answer!

In Christ, all have dignity. It doesn’t mean that we get it right all the time…because we’re human. But there is a goal. There is an ideal.

We strive to be like Jesus. He died for everyone, regardless of race, gender, or socio-economic background. All have equal opportunity to receive eternal life in Him. And if change will ever come in this world, it will be through our efforts to conform to His likeness.

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The Church’s Business Model: Reminders From Facebook

Posted on April 27, 2016 | Comments Off on The Church’s Business Model: Reminders From Facebook

facebook modelI recently read an article about how Facebook attracts and keeps great talent. Perhaps we, in the church, could use a few reminders from their business model. Consider the following:

#1: The CEO Is Facebook’s Chief Recruiter

Zuckerberg is a known CEO, and he is very involved in attracting others to Facebook. Jesus is the most attractive CEO. And when His church puts Him first, people see Him and want to know more about Him. While fellowships, activities, etc., are all great, knowing they work for Jesus is why people stay.

#2: Facebook Is More Than Just A Cash Machine

While Facebook is a business, it is known for being socially conscious. The company is built on connecting people. How about your congregation? Are you known for making connections with people or just for collecting their money? The church has a positive social initiative – “connecting people to Christ” is our main purpose.

#3: Facebook Respects Its Employees

Facebook rates a 4.7/5 on Glassdoor for benefits, and their employees have the highest job satisfaction. In the church, we should respect our brothers and sisters in Christ more than any company. The church is always most attractive when people see how we love one another and others.

#4: Facebook Is Flexible

Despite being a large, multinational company, Facebook remains flexible without jeopardizing its purpose. The church must maintain its fundamentals of the faith; and it cannot waiver on Biblical doctrine. But in matters of opinion and in areas of expediency, we must remain flexible. “We’ve never done it that way before” is not a Biblical answer for rejecting an idea.

#5: Facebook Pays Well

The average intern at Facebook makes $6-8k/month – more than most Americans make. People are attracted to great benefits. Of course, money isn’t the benefit of the church, but we have something far greater. Salvation is truly the greatest compensation, and God offers it for a life given to Christ.

I love the church, the body of Christ. And when we operate as we should, we can make the real difference in people’s lives. Help someone choose Jesus today!

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Is the “Dislike” Button The End of Your Friend List?

Posted on September 16, 2015 | Comments Off on Is the “Dislike” Button The End of Your Friend List?

It’s a game-changer. It’s the #1 feature missing from Facebook, and it has been requested for years. Finally, the “dislike” button may soon be here!

Ok. Maybe it isn’t life altering. But Mark Zuckerberg’s recent announcement that Facebook is working on a “dislike” button has piqued a lot of interest. Why is it such a big deal? Currently, Facebookers can only “like” posts!

Facebook claims that the “dislike” button will be a way of showing empathy. But, one could always take time to comment, “I’m sorry you are______and let me know if I can help.” If that really is the only reason for the dislike button, then shame on lazy empathizers.

Personally, I think people just want to disagree with a simple click. And the “dislike” button spells disaster for many so-called “friendships.”

People are so used to the “like” only system, that “dislikes” will be a huge culture shock. And pseudo “friendships” probably won’t stand for “dislikes.” Few people want their posts “frowny-faced!”

Political statement? DISLIKE! Religious statement? DISLIKE! Cultural opinions? DISLIKE! You get the idea. Watch your “friend” counts disappear if you start disliking comments!

But that would be a mistake!

As the Bible points out, we all need a good “dislike” from a true friend. There is a huge difference between a pseudo-friend who stays only as long as you “like” everything they say, and a true friend who will “dislike” when needed. Consider the following examples:

  1. Proverbs 27:5-6 tells us, “Better is open rebuke than love that is concealed. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.”
  2. Proverbs 27:17, “Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”
  3. Proverbs 28:23, “He who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor than he who flatters with the tongue.”

What about you, friend? Do you listen only to those who “like” your comments? Are you willing to consider “dislikes?” Or would you drop a friend, leave the Church, or even dismiss God just because of a “dislike?” Give it some thought… and if you dislike, we’ll still be friends!

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