Watch Your Mouth (and Your Posts!)

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14 (NKJV)

In today’s digital age, our voices are louder than ever. With just a few taps, we can post a comment, share an opinion, or vent a frustration, and it’s out there for the world to see. As followers of Christ, that’s something we need to take seriously.

Too often, Christians, sometimes without even realizing it, share things on social media that are negative, sarcastic, or emotionally charged. We post about drama, disagreements, or disappointments in a way that doesn’t glorify God or build up the Body. And while we may feel better after clicking “post,” the damage it can cause to our witness and to the reputation of the Church is often deeper than we realize. Social media should be where you run during these moments. For many years, I have had the saying that you should always “Go to the Throne before the Phone”.

James 3:10 warns us clearly:
“Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.” (NKJV)

Whether it’s a meme meant as a joke, a vague post that stirs confusion, or a comment made in the heat of the moment, the world is watching. And more importantly, our own community is watching. One careless post can plant seeds of division. One angry comment can cause someone to question whether the church is a place of healing or just another place of conflict.

Proverbs 18:21 reminds us that,
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” (NKJV)

That goes for the tongue and the keyboard.

Let’s ask ourselves:
Will this post reflect Jesus?
Will it build up or tear down?
Will it invite people to church or give them a reason to stay away?

We’re human. Emotions run high. But when we let raw emotions turn into public outbursts, especially online, we may unintentionally speak false truths about our church or give the wrong impression of what the body of Christ really is. Even when our intentions are innocent, our words can stir up doubt and harm that we didn’t mean to cause.

Paul gives us a helpful filter in Ephesians 4:29:
“Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” (NKJV)

That’s the goal. To impart grace. To reflect Jesus. To protect the witness of the Church.

So before we post, let’s pray.
Before we type, let’s think.
Before we comment, let’s ask: Does this reflect the love of Christ?

Because what we say…and how we say it…matters…

Here are a few Reflection Questions to consider today:
What does your social media say about your faith?
Have you ever posted something in frustration that could have been misunderstood?
How can you use your platform today to speak life instead of spreading confusion or conflict?

Be encouraged today, let’s work together to build God’s Church and continue to always make it into the most loving and welcoming place this world has ever seen. Even if you can relate to this post and have fallen short in this area before, it’s okay, and there is still time to turn things around and make a positive reflection of God’s church, and to be the Light for Jesus that you have been called to be.

Prayer:
Lord, help me to be mindful of my words, both spoken and written. Let everything I say and share reflect Your truth, Your love, and Your grace. Teach me to build up and not tear down. And when I fall short, help me to humbly make it right. May my voice bring unity to Your Church, not division.
In Jesus’ name, amen.

Blessings!
Pastor Jonathan W. Pannell III