I normally don’t write many posts out of haste and frustration, so I may end up regretting this one…
Let there be no doubt: who you are online is who you are in real life.
The comments you leave, the blogs you post, what you tweet, your profile picture on your social networking sites and the groups you choose to join on those social networks represent you, your character, and the Christ you serve.
It’s not “just Facebook,” as some might say to dismiss their actions. What you support online IS what you support with your name and reputation.
Why do I see so many “You look so beautiful!” comments on pictures with so much skin shown? Why do we think that joining a group promiting sin is no big deal? Christ loved everyone, but he didn’t condone their behavior. In face, he said “go and sin no more!”
What are you doing with your online influence? Are you casually tossing it about? Are you discerning in what you’re involved with, who you’re friends with, how they’re displaying themselves?
Do you have a personal Facebook/social network standard? If you’re a leader, does your church? Should a church be aware of how its leaders act online?
Note: This is not a call to Christian exclusiveness on Facebook and other social sites. This is a call to wisdom, discernment, and godly care in who we are and how we express ourselves. Besides, no amount of caviots to this post is going to prevent me getting flamed for this…

#1 by adrian crawford on June 20, 2008 - 8:29 pm
Quote
In the words of Peter Tom Willis ” I see you Clayton Bell”. Way to bring the truth.
#2 by CJ Mills on June 20, 2008 - 9:28 pm
Quote
preach it brother
CJ Millss last blog post..Dealing With Bad News
#3 by Jen on June 20, 2008 - 11:39 pm
Quote
I totally agree. It’s something that has really bothered me a lot as well…
Jens last blog post..It’s All In Your Head
#4 by portorikan on June 21, 2008 - 2:50 am
Quote
Yes sir…
hmmm, I wonder what frustration led to such haste?
portorikans last blog post..You Waste Time Like a Grandfather Clock
#5 by Adam Mabry on June 21, 2008 - 3:19 am
Quote
Here in Britain, when employers are about to hire someone, they google them, see their myspace, facebook, blogs, etc…
…some people aren’t getting hired…
Adam Mabrys last blog post..I’m not a big Rob Bell fan, but…
#6 by Adam Mabry on June 21, 2008 - 5:55 am
Quote
I’ve noticed the same thing…
Adam Mabrys last blog post..I’m not a big Rob Bell fan, but…
#7 by Adam Mabry on June 21, 2008 - 5:56 am
Quote
That’s me, Hope, up there. My computer died.
Adam Mabrys last blog post..I’m not a big Rob Bell fan, but…
#8 by randy bohlender on June 21, 2008 - 10:05 am
Quote
No flames here, Clayton. Great call to Christian consistency!
#9 by Kelley Owens on June 21, 2008 - 12:36 pm
Quote
Excellent post. Definitely needed. Forgive my husband…
#10 by Juannyo7 on June 21, 2008 - 12:37 pm
Quote
This blog came right on time. Just yesterday I was thinking about joining the “Ballinest Worship Leader wet choir robe contest” group. Maybe not…but if the opportunity did come I would totally know how to respond.
#11 by portorikan on June 21, 2008 - 1:26 pm
Quote
@Kelley Owens lol!
Good stuff.
portorikans last blog post..links for 2008-06-21
#12 by Angel on June 29, 2008 - 11:45 pm
Quote
Wow Kelley that was great! I laughed hard at that one! Good post Clayton, I want to be like you when I grow up.
Angels last blog post..Ken Lee (part 2)
#13 by Josh Martin on June 30, 2008 - 11:55 am
Quote
I am excited about how simply you put this and I’m going to link some folks on this. I deal a lot with this working with students in music and how they think there facebook/myspace page can have whatever. As leaders that I consider them to be I urge them to really look at who they are if they’re page is promoting drinking(underage), scantilly clad images of woman, and friends posting really bad comments and them replying!
Thanks for the good post!
#14 by Clayton Bell on June 30, 2008 - 12:19 pm
Quote
Josh, thanks so much…
#15 by Computer Forum on July 22, 2008 - 7:25 am
Quote
Amazing article! Detailed and very interested. I am going to recommend this blog to my friends.