Sharing on social media is par for the course as a blogger. Learning how to share responsibly on social media is a necessary skill to master and one that can make or break you with your audience.
Some years ago, memes like these were all over social media. Usually, they were something to give followers a chuckle and garner a like.
And then there is this campy quote:
Really? Is that true?
If you are wondering, no, it’s not true. Even if you want it to be. It’s nonsense but it makes some people feel good.
As bloggers, and I would argue especially as Christian bloggers who desire to share truth with our audience, we have a responsibility to our readers to think about how we communicate. It is imperative that we share responsibly on social media.
In the age of Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest, it’s more than just our blogs that “say” something about us. It’s our tweets, our posts, and our photos as well. All these things are a reflection of us as writers, as women, and as followers of Christ. What we say and how we say it, matters.
Sharing quotes is a fantastic way to spark conversation and encourage our readers. But, it’s important to know who we are quoting. Just because something sounds good, doesn’t mean it has value. As writers, we know our words carry weight. That’s what we want. Often, that is why we write. But, what we associate ourselves with also carries weight and has an impact on our audience. Our readers “follow” us because they like our writing style and because they believe our content means something. They are looking to us for content and quality.
In the same way, when we post graphics with funny sayings, these are a reflection of our personal humor. When we post graphics with serious sayings or quote famous people, these are also a reflection of us, of our personal beliefs and values.
If I were to post this:
What would you think?
What about if I posted this graphic and then in my next post told you about my church or exhorted you to read your Word more. Would that change what you think?
It changes your opinion of me doesn’t it? It should make you question my beliefs and my values and my reliability to share God’s Word with you.
Today, with Wikipedia, Google, and websites dedicated to authors and celebrities, there is no excuse for you to not know who the person is you are quoting. None. It’s too easy to find out someones history, their preferences, beliefs, habits, and proclivities. It’s all out there for the world to know. This is the digital age and what you post reflects back on you. Again, it’s important to share responsibly on social media.
If you think I am sounding harsh, that’s okay. I want you to be the best writer you can be and I want you to have meaningful influence on your readers. I also want you to to first and foremost direct your readers to the source of your passion and the reason for your writing, especially if that’s the Creator of the Universe and His son, Jesus Christ.
Here’s the deal, so that you and I both know where we stand:
Proverbs 27:17 is true – As iron sharpens iron, so a person sharpens his friend. I expect that of you and I hope you expect the same from me, your sister-in-Christ.
There are over 31 thousand verses in the bible. That’s 31,000 for you visual folks. I’m fairly confident that you can find something in there with which to encourage your readers. There are a lot of really good authors, speakers, pastors and theologians who have said some really wonderful and uplifting things. Biblically sound things. Dig in and find them. Go crazy! There are amazing people who have spoken throughout history and said great things. Do a little research and find something good from someone good.
Let me be very clear here: I am in no way saying that you shouldn’t post funny sayings or humorous pictures. Everybody needs a laugh once in a while. What I AM saying is – remember how your post, tweet, or picture will reflect back on you and your calling to reach other women.
If you are unsure, ask. As sisters in the faith we should have no problem coming to one another and asking –
“Is this good?”
“Does this line up with the Word?”
“Should I post this?”
If you are in a mastermind group, that is what they are for. If you aren’t, find one, start one or at the very least, get with some of your peers to keep each other sharp.
As writers, we can’t afford to turn people off to the faith. The world is crazy and there are real, hurting and lost people out there. Don’t muddy the living waters with junk.
You have too much to say to do anything different and God wants to use your writing for His glory. Doesn’t that make you excited?
Blog on sisters. Share responsibly on social media. Connect in real and meaningful ways with your readers. Do it with integrity and a little smarts and you’ll never go wrong.
What are your thoughts on sharing on social media responsibly?
Photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash
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