MAY 23

1 Corinthians 10:31
Memorise Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit… against such there is no law”

Social media has become such a dominant presence in our society today. Almost every young person has some exposure or interaction with it. Because content is posted in real time on these social networking services such as Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, Tumblr or Instagram, it is not subject to the traditional forms of media censorship. This becomes easy to post or view undesirable content easily. Some individuals post whatever comes to their depraved minds and they do get much attention for doing so. Such attention-seeking individuals have probably never experienced the grace of God in their lives. Their actions reflect their lack of a sense of accountability to a holy and perfect God.

Christians, however, must conduct themselves in accordance to the standards expected of them by a thrice-holy God. This means every aspect of their lives must be lived in accordance to God’s will and for His glory. God’s glory is more important than the lives of believers. If necessary, Christians must be willing to lay down their lives to defend God’s reputation. How much more then should we be mindful of the things we post on social networking services? What sort of testimony and message are we sending to others when we ‘like’ or ‘share’ worldly and ungodly content? When we post vicious comments, baseless rumours, gossips, or even worse, lewd content, are we consistent with our Christian purpose to glorify God?

We can be stumbling blocks to others if our conduct is not consistent with our identity as followers of Jesus. Galatians 5:22-23 says that genuine believers are to exhibit the fruit of the spirit such as love, peace, joy, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance. In contrast, those who take pleasure in uncleanness, wrath and strife cannot inherit the kingdom of God (Galatians 5:20-21).

Dear Teen, examine yourself to see if you have exhibited the fruit of the spirit in your conduct. Or does your conduct suggests that you are in danger of hellfire? If you have not behaved in a manner that is pleasing to Him, repent and ask God for forgiveness and do so no more.

Thought: Am I a different person when I assume a different identity on the social network?
Prayer: O Lord help us as Your children never to cease to be holy as You are holy.