Think before you post: What would Jesus do?

by Guest blogger

by Susan Harris

As I was scrolling through Facebook this morning to catch up on all the latest comments my Facebook friends had posted, I had a sudden thought. What would Jesus post?

Every morning one of my friends begins a post of prayer requests for that day. Other people then name people they want to pray for – family, friends, the world situation, the military.

Who or what would Jesus pray for?

Then there is a friend who comments about terrible service they received at a restaurant or a business where they were shopping. They rant in public, degrading a server or cashier who likely receives minimum wage.

I have friends who post their political views too. This or that elected official is . . . you fill in the blank. You, too, might have friends who are quick to point out the perceived failings of someone from the other political party.

What would Jesus post if he were on Facebook? I would imagine one of Jesus’ posts might read: “I had 5,000 followers at the impromptu picnic yesterday. And I rounded up enough fish sandwiches to serve them all.”

He might also post, “When I went to the synagogue yesterday, those money changers were all over the place. It made me so angry I went through and tossed all their tables to the side. That’ll show ‘em!”

Jesus might comment, “I went on a house call today. Raised a little boy from the dead. It was all in a day’s work.”

Or, “I met a woman at the town well today. She’s had five husbands and is living with another man now. SMH. But I offered to give her some water to quench her thirst anyway.”

For those who share comments and posts about our national borders and restricting immigration, Jesus might respond, “I welcomed the little children when they came to me — red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in my sight.”

Should you post or comment?

I am as guilty as the next person about sharing trivial information about my life and activities.

We should all practice the “What would Jesus post” mentality before sharing information on Facebook. This country, this world, could be a better place if we thought before we posted on social media.

Before commenting or posting, ask yourself, “Is this kind or helpful? Would I say it to someone in person?”

If not, it might be wiser to scroll on through Facebook or Twitter and say nothing. Remember to think, “What would Jesus post?”

Susan Harris is past president of the North Carolina Synodical Women’s Organization and a member of Salem Lutheran Church, Lincolnton, N.C. Follow Women of the ELCA on Facebook to practice your What Would Jesus Post? content.

Feature photo: Swanson, John August. Loaves and Fishes, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN.