MY STATUS UPDATE!

One sure conclusion I can make about the conversation between Jesus and Martha in Luke 10:38-42 is that God desires intimacy with us above anything else. Yes, working for God and serving him as well as others is great, but it cannot compare with spending some quality time with Him. See what Jesus had to say when Martha complained about Mary’s apathy in serving Him (I guess Martha was preparing the best meal ever. And I am sure she was thinking of Mary, first things first. Can’t you talk to Him after serving Him? Who said I don’t want to sit at his feet and listen to Him too?)

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her” (verse 41-42 New International Version) [emphasis mine]

Well, I don’t know how Martha felt but I certainly would have been hurt, especially when everything she was doing was about Jesus anyway. Once again, I want to say that it just emphasizes how much God values fellowship with us.

Right from Genesis 3, it is very clear that Satan’s greatest goal is to steal us from God’s presence, Kill and destroy us once we are out of His presence (John 10:9), for we are not ignorant of his devices (2 Corinthians 2:11). Well that goal has not changed in this 21st century. He only uses different strategies now to accomplish that, one of which is social media!!! I have realized that this trap of social media does two things to us. First, it gets us so busy we suddenly - yet gradually - realize that we are spending less and less time in the presence of God. The second thing is that because of the former, we use those platforms to project more of ourselves, less of others and least of God. That’s not surprising anyway since you cannot give what you don’t have.

Satan’s greatest goal is to steal us from God’s presence, Kill and destroy us once we are out of His presence

Sometime ago, I noticed that the trend of updates one of my protégés was uploading on his whatsapp status were not reflective of what was expected from a Christian. In the course of time I had a discussion with him on the issue and below is somewhat how the discussion went. For the purpose of this article I will call him Kay.

Me: What inspires your whatsapp status update?

Kay: Anything that is fun and can make people laugh and be happy.

Me: That’s interesting. What’s the average number of people who view your whatsapp status?

Kay: 50 people

Me: Imagine I organize 50 people from various places with various background and invite you to share with them anything you want, what will your message be centred on?

Kay: Eeeerrrmm, I think the word of God for it’s a great opportunity I cannot allow to pass me by.

Me: I am finding it hard to believe you because you have that same number of people watching and listening to you daily through your status and all you share is anything fun and funny. How about seeing that as the opportunity just like you would if you were meeting them face-to-face?

Kay: Wow! I never thought about it that way. I will do something about it. Thanks for alerting me.

That day Kay had a different perspective. At least I saw some improvements until he left for school the next term. In fact, apart from Kay, I have asked a few others too and the responses are very interesting. Now let me share with you three things your social media platform represents.

1. Your identity: A man’s words cannot be separated from his identity. Who you are (or who you believe you are) determines what you do and say. If you are a Christian, that will not be confirmed just by declaring that you are. It’s actually confirmed by your actions and inaction. The next time you update any of your social media platforms with any information, ask yourself, Does it reflect who I am?

2. Your Worldview: What you put on your social media platforms speaks a lot about your beliefs and perspective. If, for example, you profess that you disagree with pre-marital sex and yet put on your whatsapp status a funny video promoting pre-marital sex simply because it’s funny, know that it’s outright hypocrisy, for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks (Matthew 12:34). The next time you update your whatsapp status, ask yourself, Does it reflect what I believe?

3. Your Character: Many people’s true character is camouflaged by their reputation. True character is tested overtime. In fact the reason why the alphabets and numbers are known as characters is simply because they are the same anytime, anywhere. Writing the letter ‘A’ in Rwanda does not change because it’s being written in Russia. Same as writing the number ‘28’. You cannot post something on your instagram wall over and over again and tell me that you don’t believe in it. What you keep posting is your true character. So the next time you update your facebook wall, ask yourself, What will it tell the world about my character?

Now let me conclude by answering the question I know most of you have in mind at this point…

Many people’s true character is camouflaged by their reputation.

WHAT SHOULD INSPIRE YOUR STATUS UPDATE?

My short answer: PURPOSE!, the main reason why you were created – for God’s glory.

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do [like when you are on a social media platform], do it all for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31 – New International Version) [emphasis mine]

Now that scripture is a summary of what I mean by purpose. Does what you post ultimately – eventually - glorify God? Well, I know this may be quite difficult for you to fully grasp now. I will simplify it with what Rick Warren explained into detail in his purpose driven life book as the five general purposes of man, which he extracted from the greatest commandments and great commission stipulated by Jesus.

1. Worship [loving God with your all]: Worship in this context is anything you do or say that makes you or others see and revere God as He is. Your social media posts must be one that exalts God and gives Him all the glory that only He deserves. You were made to worship!

2. Discipleship [becoming like Christ]: Discipleship here refers to the gradual process of developing Christ-like characteristics as encouraged in Philippians 2:5. You may share some of the things you are learning from God’s word or your experiences as well as that of others. One question that can guide you in this area is What would Jesus do/ share?

3. Ministry [loving your neighbor]: Ministry generally refers to serving others with your gifts, abilities and opportunities just as 1 Peter 4:10 admonishes us to. As long as the information you expose on your social media platform will eventually enhance the lives of others, it’s a perfect share.

4. Evangelism [reaching out with God’s love]: Evangelism here refers primarily to sharing the love of Christ to others, especially unbelievers. Can an unbeliever view your whatsapp status for a week and begin to appreciate God’s love? Can they consider allowing Jesus to drive their lives? Can a believer be inspired to continue holding onto Jesus’ love? As you think about what to share in this area, ask yourself, Will my viewers receive the good news of Jesus?

5. Fellowship [staying connected to and growing with God’s people]: Fellowship here refers to sharing anything that can cause the strengthening of the bond that exists among believers. Sharing how you feel, celebrating others, asking a question or two etc – as long as you intend to connect with others on a more deeper level – are a few examples of the many ways you can stimulate some fellowship via your social media platforms.

Your social media posts must be one that exalts God and gives Him all the glory that only He deserves.

Although this is not a law that must be necessarily obeyed, I hope it stirs up in you a new understanding of the power of social media and how we can use the opportunities they provide to glorify God in every way.

In conclusion, please be reminded that nothing matters more than spending quality time with God so be intentional about creating that time throughout your day, week, month, year and lifetime. I believe that as you do so, you will be stirred up with an amazing passion for God and He will give you many ideas on how you can use your social media platforms to glorify Him. Stay blessed!!!