Growing Kingdom People – Is Twitter Un-Christian?

I didn’t say, “Do some un-Christian things happen on Twitter?”

That’s a given.

But is it inherently un-Christian?

You probably think I’m nuts choosing such a random litmus test of Christian character. After all, there are a lot of other things in this world to worry about. Things that are clearly un-Christian.

Certainly, Christians have found a way to use Twitter to share the good message of Christ. It is used to announce church events, share inspirational quotes and pass along words of encouragement in times of trouble.

But it is also used to hurt, condemn, criticize and hate.

I present to you, James 1:19-20: “My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.”

God knew Twitter was coming, so he gave us this verse.  He also knows I have a very warped sense of humor, so He has led me to stay away from Twitter for my own welfare.

But back to the James verse. Time can help us avoid Satan’s snares. When we take time to think before we speak, we are less likely to say things that are destructive and more likely to discover ways to outwit Satan. A quick tongue is Satan’s workshop.

So is a quick thumb that writes a tweet.

God’s wisdom instructs us not to share the first thing that comes to mind when we are angry or frustrated. Therefore, I believe when we find ourselves in this state of mind…

And we all do…

We should hide our cell phone and computer.

A tweet, an email, a text, or a Facebook post in a bad moment, can hurt others and undermine our character. I have never known anyone whose credibility went up when they criticized others on social media or sent hateful messages to the same.

I know there are those who say these forms of communication are here to stay and we should just get used to people using them to express their anger. They are like the gossip neighbors used to share over the back fence.

But surely, we can see the difference between a back fence and the Internet. Don’t get me wrong. Gossip is destructive, no matter where it is shared. However, a private conversation gives us time to try our ideas on for size, then discard them when we realize we are out of line.  Electronic communication is not as gracious.

Human nature hasn’t changed.

We don’t listen enough.

We speak too quickly.

We don’t manage our anger.

And Satan laughs his head off! In fact, I hear he has his own Twitter account. His ID is “CUNHell.”

Ooops! I just looked this up and it is already taken.

Well, there you have it.

I suppose Satan doesn’t really need an account. Why would he when he can just use ours?