Being tempted to be a busybody is certainly made much easier in this social media era. Who would have thought that such a person exist?! And the sobering thing is this person can be you if you are not careful.
The Wakeup Call
I have been reading Leslie Ludy’s latest book, “Set-Apart Woman: God’s Invitation to Sacred Living,” and I love how she challenges women to think of scriptural principles in light of modern times.
The scripture look of studying to be quiet in comparison to the scriptures on a busybody, really had me examining my heart.
In this article I want to create a heart examination to see if indeed we have become busybody women in social media. My most important desire is to identify it and as Leslie shares in her book, that we would truly be holy women of God to include in social media.
Study to Be Quiet
“And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.” 1 Thessalonians 4:11,12
How, you may wonder does this apply to Facebook?
I believe that at times Facebook may be looked at as an arena of escape. A place where you can really express “all things me.” Let’’s be honest who does not want to be heard, especially women?
One of the biggest complaints women have is others simply don’t listen. But with Facebook now there is an opportunity for others to listen. Not only that, but to be heard by those who like what you have to say. And that little “LIKE” button proves it.
But have you ever considered, what is your God given purpose for Facebook?
Another reality about Facebook is that not all your friends are Christians. So what are your non-Christian friend and family seeing by what you post?
Are the things you say murmuring and complaining? Regardless of who, the government, a friend that did you wrong or you are just plain mad and want the world to know it.
“Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.” Philippians 2:14-16
A look at the scripture found in 1 Corinthians 10:31 “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God,” exhorts you to glorify God even on Facebook.
When your FB timeline glorifies God then you have an opportunity to edify others. “Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying.”” 2 Corinthians 12:19
So you can see how 1 Thessalonians 4:11 encourages you to study to be quiet. It is not something that comes natural when we long to be heard. And the verse also touches on doing your business. Really to keep busy and I truly believe to be busy about the Lord’s business in your life and not being a busybody.
Dangers of Becoming a Busybody
“And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.” 1 Timothy 5:13
I have discovered that a Facebook busybody does not need to run from house to house but rather from one timeline to another. The Facebook busybody seeks out specific people to target and gather their “gossip” that they are ready to tattle to someone who will hear them.
Here is a possible scenerio:
So and so young man post pictures with his friends which include so and so young woman. Next thing you know there are some sad young people because misinformation has been said of them which they find out through the “grapevine.”
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It is really sad too because usually it comes from the “branches” that are suppose to be part of the vine, our Lord Jesus Christ. I have purposely stayed away from Facebook these past few months because I certainly do not want some timeline telling me what is going on with one of my friends. In fact I have spent more time contacting my friend personally through Facebook messanger and email.
I have also been thinking about what my real purpose is on Facebook. If you do not have a God given purpose for Facebook then you will find yourself idly going up and down your newsfeed or people’s timelines looking for something interesting. And before you know you start getting into someone’s woes about someone else.
Before long you find you are entering the realm of a busybody. You start “stalking” other related timelines to get the “whole”” story. You gather your information and begin formulating what could be going on. And depending on your nature you may actually endeavor to contact related persons to the individual with some “inside information” that you acquired in your investigation.
Or perhaps the information is not online but you dying to say something about it. But because you are supposed to be “spiritual” you write it incognito. This is sad to see. And even when I have no idea what the individual is talking about they have used Facebook to “get back” at someone or make an incognito point that only those who got the “inside scoop” would know how to decipher.
I begin to see that Facebook is quickly becoming a place of gossip, self- exaltation and even used to cause division among the brethren.
Oh that we would allow God to guard our hearts!
Humble Yourself
I know this is not an easy subject but I desired that every area of my life be filled with glory of God. And I am doing some serious repenting. Not just on Facebook but in all social media and even my offline conversations.
Facebook like any other modern wonder can be used as a great tool to be a blessing in the lives of others. Rather than take people’s information as “inside scoop”” the truth is God highlights such events for you to take them to prayer. To truly seek God’s wisdom.
But remember to take time with people in real life. An encouraging note, a physical visit to lend a helping hand or simply listen and be an encouragement is far more essential. But you will be of no value if you do not humble yourself and repent of being a busybody.
If you have children, spend time with them. When Facebook or any other social media starts pulling you away from your family take that as a warning alarm. This past Saturday I realized I had not spent all week on Facebook but I found that I let hours pass and quickly when I did jump on.
I have wonderful friends and family I keep up with but I realized the absolute need to set a definite timer, something a dear friend of mine has encouraged me with. In addition I am seriously thinking of establishing a social media checklist that will help me keep my focus on the purpose for being on Facebook and will be seeking my Lord for wisdom.
If you are a woman who desires to truly live a set apart life for your precious King then I highly encourage you to read, “Set-Apart Woman: God’s Invitation to Sacred Living,” by Leslie Ludy.
What I shared here is only a small portion of where my heart has been challenged thanks to Leslie. And I pray your heart was challenged too. That you may go humbly before your God that he may lead you in every area of your life to include Facebook.
Feel free to write your comments below.
To God be ALL the glory!
“What is the chief end of man? Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.” ~Westminster Catechism
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