Ryan Jardine of The Deseret News published a story today about the challenges of being a Christian online and offered 5 tips on how to be “meek, lowly and Christian” on the Internet.
Much of public discourse is now taking place online and anyone can post their opinions on a variety of social platforms. Some of those opinions you will agree with, others you will not. Others still will fly in the face of everything you stand for and tempt you to “pick up [your] weapons of war and prepare for a battle in the virtual arena.” In the heat of the moment and without the “human element” it can be easy to forget about trying to be like Jesus.
The Deseret News offers 5 tips that, if applied, will keep us level-headed and respectful as we encounter people online.
1. Remind yourself a fellow human is behind the electronic screen and every word you write will either build up or tear down a son or a daughter of God.
As Elder Jeffrey R. Holland quoted from the Apocrypha in the April 2007 general conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, “The stroke of the whip maketh marks in the flesh: but the stroke of the tongue breaketh the bones.” The same could be said for the stroke of a keyboard. Our online weapons of war are varied and can at times be lethal.
2. In all your online communications, emulate the attributes of Christ.
Be kind and be gentle. The ability to rise above the fray reflects “certitude, strength and serenity,” as Elder Maxwell said.
Read the rest of the tips at deseretnews.com.
What do you think of the tips offered? What do you do to remain civil online?
