I’ll admit that I’m guilty of enjoying snarky comments. Who doesn’t like a good mocking? Social media allows me to peer without partaking. The voyeuristic impulse to watch others self-destruct lies only a few clicks away. But even if I only observe, a corroding influence still splashes over.
Paul wrote to a group of Jesus-followers, encouraging them on right ways of living. He included this thought: Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
I rarely spout harsh or dishonest words. I’m good at keeping my mouth shut in most situations. But that doesn’t mean I don’t take sly pleasure when others launch sarcastic attacks. Sometimes the truth should be spoken. But in our world innuendo and deceit bury the truth, making it difficult to sort right from wrong.
I can choose where my eyeballs roam. Social media jabber that bashes another does me no good. Even if I don’t say it, and haven’t even thought it until I read it, such interactions corrupt my nature, and subvert the work of grace in my life.
If we took away all the soiled blather from our feeds we’d not have much left—which would be just fine. We’re better off with a book or out on a walk. Corrosive talk, in all forms, tears down. Let us ask the Lord to make us better at building up, and spreading the grace of God to all who will hear.
Ephesians 4:29
Photo by Zsolt Palatinus
Amen!