The tongue, a small fire, a fountain and online persona...

Recently, as I've tried to get more involved in an online community, this one to be exact, not as a replacement to any real life community (I attend and am a member of a wonderful Baptist church with SBC affiliation) but as an addition to or enhancement of my daily Christian "refreshment/refinement".

And in doing so (attempting is more apt) I've been more or less forced to confront the issue of who I am while safely ensconced in the ether of the digital world; "safe" in the anonymity of cyber space. That process has led me to where I find myself weighing the value (and wisdom as well) of pursuing or continuing to pursue online fellowship, friendship and community. My jury is still out on this one. I see great value but have to count the costs.

That's enough prologue.

So, I've been meditating upon, considering and being "haunted" by James chapter 3, specifically verses 1-11, as a result of my time spent at this particular outpost. I've met some wonderful and gracious people, even had a encouraging phone conversation with a lovely God fearing man. That was a truly edifying experience for which I am grateful for. He spoke in the spirit/s described in 1 Timothy 2 pertaining to Overseers and Deacons. It was a blessing from God, I've no other way to describe the interaction.

That Christian brother used his "rudder" in real life conversation as he uses it here, on the BB... gracious, edifying, smooth sailing.

Shouldn't the Christian, seeking God's oversight in all they do, treat and use their rudder/tongue here as they would anyplace else?

Or is it simply okay to use anonymity (assumed or otherwise) to our advantage and allow it to circumvent what we would otherwise be, face to face with another human, made in God's image?

Granted, those questions are rhetorical and my thoughts on the subject a bit scattered (I am as has been accused, uneducated and am not ashamed of that) but I can't find the acceptable disconnect that seems to exist with some posters, between the real-world persona and the cyber-world persona. Particularly while portraying themselves as one purchased in Christ.

Epilogue; ain't us fallen folk some crazy indecipherable miscreants sometimes?

 

Thanks! I tend to believe that we as believers suffer from the same delusional traps that smokers do. We tell ourselves that "it won't happen to us" or "if it does happen...it's so far off and won't matter so much." I'm certain God's views things differently, as you've made clear.

I've tried to adopt the ten second rule with verbal responses and posts. I fail often enough even with that as a filter. But for the grace, go I.

 

Cool! Where's my prize?

I like dark chocolate anything and McD's vanilla shakes.

 

Right on! Thanks.

'Tis been a tough weekend here. I'm feeling the need for the whole edification vibe. That's both giving it and getting it. :flower: