Dear ,   

You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. Matthew 5:13 (NIV)

I can still remember my dad telling me that I'd best watch what I do when out and about in our small community. He made it very clear that my words and deeds would reflect upon our family, and that my behavior, good or bad, would influence the way our friends and neighbors thought of us. And, although when I became a father myself we lived in a larger community, I still remember saying the same thing to my children. It was, and is, important that people see my family as one having integrity, honesty, cleanliness and just plain good manners.

So, how do you think our heavenly father feels about our actions in the world today? As we interact with others in our community are we kind and thoughtful? Do we have manners that show His love through our actions? As we communicate using Facebook or Twitter do the things we post, and the tweets we send, bring honor to our Christian family? Do we think about what we are saying, or the pictures we are tacking up, before doing so making sure the message, image or character we are presenting adhere to the values we profess we hold?

Over the past couple of weeks I've spoken with several people concerning the use of Facebook and Twitter.   While most agree they are very useful tools for getting a message out, and perhaps even cultivating deeper relationships, many have expressed concern that the "filter" we usually apply when presenting ourselves in person, seems to unfortunately disappear when using technology.   A couple of pastor friends even commented that they have appreciated the tools for keeping up with the needs of their parishioners, but are saddened and dismayed with some of the junk they see being put up by those same parishioners.

Just like most anything we use, these communication tools can be used for good or evil. We need to think about the words we say and the actions we take whether in person, or doing so over a computer with an Internet connection. Many people are watching and making an evaluation of our Father, and our Christian family, based upon what we say and do.

Take a moment before hitting the "Enter" key and think about it; does it bring honor to God?, does it build up or tear down?, would I say this to another person standing beside me?, would I say or post this if Jesus were watching? (He Is) Do I represent my family well or do I sadden my Father with the things I say and do?