FAITH: Look before you let go a 'like'

House to House Heart to Heart

Carlton County Church of Christ

Before you hit “share” or “like” on that post, consider Paul’s admonition from Philippians 4:8: “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things.”

• Is it true? Each day, hyped- up fear- fed articles are posted about new applications, foods, vaccines, politics, local events, the family next door. Many of them are just not so. Simple common sense should tell us that one-ºhalf of these things are not so, and discretion should eliminate the rest. If it is really that important, take the time to do some fact checking.

• Is it noble? Not every noteworthy event in life needs space in our heads. Mark your space with things worthy of real honor.

• Is it just? Fanning the fire of rebellion toward things that are truly right tears down the very ones who need help most.

• Is it pure? It helps to become a little savvy with social media. Sometimes an old friend will pass along a great uplifting story, but they shared it from a Facebook group or page that either has a foul name, or commonly passes along material filled with profanity. Make a choice to check out first if the story is true, and then find a clean source to share. Not only will you help yourself, you help those who you want to encourage.

• Is it lovely?

• Is it of good report? Remember your reputation. When you share that page, your character goes with it, for good or ill, they will be latched together from that point on. Do you really think those two or three good things are worth the filth one needs to swim through.

• Is there any virtue? Is this really what it seems to be, and does it provide the best you want those whom you care about and lead to follow. Does it raise the bar?

• Is it worthy of praise? Life is already full of enough sorrow. Our broken hearts desperately need things worthy of praise and rejoicing.

Remember Solomon’s admonition in Proverbs 4:23: “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.”

This column was provided by House to House Heart to Heart and the Carlton County Church of Christ, which holds services at 10 a.m. Sundays and Bible Study at 10:45 a.m. Sundays in the Scanlon Community Center.