The topic of #RelationalMedia that this series is about has various avenues to pursue. I want to look at a piece of scripture that is important for us to apply in our sanctification in this life, for the Kingdom of Christ, and how we interact with others on social media.
The Sanctification Of Our Interactions
In 2 Corinthians 13:5 Paul tells us to test ourselves to see if we are in the faith:
“Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you — unless indeed you fail the test?” (2 Cor 13:5 NASB)
This is a great reminder for us that we are called to be progressive in our sanctification into the image of Christ, which includes how we interact with others. One of the places that we can view our lives and see if we have progressed to look more like Christ in our interactions is on Facebook and its Facebook memories review.
Facebook Memories
When Facebook first introduced memories to its user profile, I wasn’t one who initially found it an addition of intrigue. I mostly ignored the memories notification in my news feed. Eventually though, I became interested in seeing the previous articles, conversations, and posts I had shared from my account.
I was amazed to see what was important to me over the past decade.
I found myself seeing a post from a person I was now unfamiliar with, and having to go look at their page to jog my memory of who they were and what they had meant to me at that particular time in my life.
Some of these previous posts would make me remember with warmth the friendships that were substantial and real to me. But, there were also posts and conversations that were hard to look at in how I acted and responded to others in my life.
I was going through these memories when one day I found a particular post that embarrassed me. I had posted something to the effect of “If you vote for candidate x, you cannot be a Christian.” I was embarrassed because I had simply reduced the Gospel to voting a particular way.
Several comments were made about this statement, some praising my words, others in stark disagreement. I cringed as I read my responses to those who did not hold to my view.
They were ungracious and unloving words to people I labeled as my friends. I soon began to dread seeing these types of foolish post in my memories and having to ask myself, “Did I really hold to that? Did I really feel the need to state that publicly?”
Let It Be An Encouragement Of God’s Work
While it is embarrassing for me to read such posts on various topics where my priority was not that of the Kingdom of God, but rather, of my kingdom, I slowly came to be glad to see these past posts in my Memories.
Memories on Facebook is a visual way to see how far we have progressed in our sanctification to become more like Christ. It’s a chance to see where we once were foolish in our thinking, and how the Lord has shown light into those dark and foolish areas over time.
The Apostle Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 13:5 have resonated with me as I was able to see over the years a heart come to repentance, soften towards others, and eventually become focused on the Good News of Jesus. I was able to see posts that a decade ago were focused on me and not concerned about my interactions with others on Facebook.
Over time, I could see my interactions with others began to look more like the King I serve, and less like the mind of flesh.
Memories helps us to see the progress in our faith as we look to become more like Jesus in how we interact with others on social media. It can be a wonderful reminder of how much God has done for us to become transformed into the image of Christ.
I hope that when you review your Facebook memories that you are able to see a person who over the years is looking more and more like Christ in how you interact with others.
Responses