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How we properly handle social media in a crazy time.

I thought I would address something that I saw recently. A dear friend and leader is facing some new health challenges. I was informed of this a few weeks prior and was asked not to speak about the matter publicly. Then two weeks later, a post was circulating about prayer for her. This post was not something that the parties involved had released. So the question is, how do we handle sensitive information?

Here are my thoughts. First and foremost, I do not post things about others. Social Media is not the place to receive prayer. Yes, you heard me correctly. Likes on a post are not equal to praying to our Heavenly Father. You need a prayer partner that expands out to their circle. The relationship is a big key to receiving strength in stormy seasons.

When someone tells me that they need prayer, my first posture is confidentiality. Noting that I receive in confidence is to make it out to the public without expressed request.

The church needs to be a place of trust and love and not the gossip factory. What if the person shares something online? Then I might share their post, but I will not make my own post. I have learned this rule over time as we strolled into the season of oversharing everything. Kathy and I are not over-sharers. We don’t share a lot publicly.

We need to learn how to keep things private when information can spread worldwide with a click. If you are a person who keeps things in confidence, the Lord will entrust you with His secrets.

2 Cor. 12:3 And I know such a man—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows—
2 Cor. 12:4 how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

Love Louis