The Tension

I've begun to suspect that facebook/twitter/social media in general

is in danger of becoming the current "street corner" of Matthew 6. 
Jesus said, "Beware."  And I'm trying to discern and adjust my behavior accordingly.

This is how I responded in declining to participate in yet ANOTHER facebook "challenge" recently. 

Sometimes I feel like such a grinch.

It's a hard issue for me.  I have Facebook and Twitter accounts; a Pinterest board, too.  I've blogged for many years now.  I find it to be a creative outlet as well as a pictorial journal of sorts.  I've been challenged, inspired, corrected and instructed by reading the posts and comments of other people. I've made some wonderful friends.

On the other hand, I'm increasingly aware of a certain tension--perhaps a healthy one.   For me, the tension consists of temptations to compare myself with others either negatively or positively, occasionally to present myself in an unrealistically favorable or unfavorable light, and at times to judge other people -- again either favorably or unfavorably.

(I don't know if that makes ANY sense to ANYone...)

There ARE times, Jesus said, to let our lights shine before others so they may see our good works and give glory to our Father (Matthew 5:16).  But I can't escape his words just a few paragraphs later:  "Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be see by them..." (Matthew 6:1ff).

Last night I hear a radio preacher say something to this effect (I was too groggy to get this transcribed word for word OR to know who was speaking):  When you most feel like hiding, that's the time to let your light shine.  When you feel most like shining, that's the time to hide.   

I'm going to GO with that.  

It seems to be consistent with Jesus' intent. 

I suspect I'll continue to experience the tension as long as I'm present on social media.