I’m a self-professed early adopter. If there is a new company, a new product, a new technology, a new social media platform, I’m signing up. I want in from the very beginning and I want to figure out if I love it or not before anyone else tells me what I’m supposed to think.
I’ve been on Facebook since college – back when it was ONLY for college students! I’ve been on Twitter for just over 6 years. I signed up for Instagram as soon as I could, and a whole list of other social media platforms I’ve since abandoned. Honestly? I just really love the internet.
Blogging and social media have connected me to more amazing women than I ever imaged I would meet. I’ve had opportunities because of the time I spend in this space that I never could have dreamed would come my way. Even my job wouldn’t exist without social media and the internet, and it makes me so happy to realize that God has always had this planned for me.
But…do you ever wonder why we do all of the things we do online? What’s the purpose behind all the time we spend writing and sharing? Sure, it’s fun. But when it comes down to it, what is it that you want your words to do when they go out to your followers?
Have you ever considered that the internet might be a mission field, and maybe we’re called to be the workers?
- “Shout the news of His victory from sea to sea” -Psalm 96
- “Go into the world. Go everywhere and announce the Message of God’s good news to one and all.” – Mark 16
- “Publish his glory among the godless nations, his wonders to all races and religions. And why? Because God is great—well worth praising!” – 1 Chronicles 16:24
Is there any better way to share our testimonies, encouragement and hope to the ends of the earth, from “sea to sea,” than online? Your words, whether you realize it or not, have a much wider reach and a much deeper impact than we may ever realize here on earth. The words you say – whether face-to-face or on social media – they can be life changing.
What would happen if we started to think about the words we shared online and the impact they might have? What if we wrote to our audiences as though they were the most precious, loved, important friends on earth because we believe God has given us the responsibility to care for them with our words?
What if we chose to be in the world (wide-web) but not of it? With words and images and attitudes that promoted kindness, grace, and encouragement?
We have a responsibility to do good things with our words. What will you do differently today?
I like Lisa’s phrase below
about the “internet mission field.” Amen! And how interesting that
you should publish this post today. My blog post today is about not thinking
you are too sick or disabled that you can’t share the Gospel with the world.
For those who don’t yet know how, I included links to videos about how to sign
up for and use Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest, but
of course there are a slew of others that I’m just learning about now. I am also
thoroughly enjoying your Creative Basics course, Crystal, and am thankful
for what I’m learning there. Blessings!
Anna I’m in the Creative Basic course too been learning so much. 🙂
Lisa, I am so sorry that I only saw this today! I never think to keep up with my Disqus account. Hope you are doing well.
Internet mission field! I did try my hand at blogging a while ago but it felt so daunting will I reach someone can I reach anyone? I was very quick to throw in the towel. But what if that was my mission field? Thank you Crystal for your post and inspiration. I love encouraging people. I am going to pray about starting again because this may just be my mission field.