I won’t deny that I am on a few social media networks, but I can admit that I am getting tired of people, good people and especially men, posting inappropriate material on their walls or pages. I’m at a point where it’s pretty simple to explain. It doesn’t matter how you are affiliated with me, whether by family or friend. If you post material that you know is questionable, I will no longer choose to follow you.
Extreme, you might say? Well here are just a couple of examples where you could get into trouble and why you might want “unfriend” as well.
Example #1: How will it affect my marriage?
Not too long ago I found myself lying in bed next to my beautiful wife. In bed early and relaxing, we were scrolling on our phones and playing games. This was set to be a quiet and relaxing night, right? As I scrolled down my social media wall, an image came up of a woman who was half-dressed and posing inappropriately.
Let’s stop the story right there. Yes, I have the ability to scroll past the image quickly to avoid my wife seeing it. That really wouldn’t be a hard thing to do. But, the image is still clearly in my head and still on my page. Will the individual that shared the image, share more? Survey says? Yes.
Imagine if my wife had looked over to my phone at exactly the same time as I was scrolling past this image. What do you think would go through her mind? I can tell you right now, it wouldn’t be good. If it were your wife, she like mine might think you wanted to see the image or you are following someone or a page that posts those kinds of images. Is she right? Well, hopefully not. But it is on your network and on your social sites. This situation could make for a long night and a possible fight. And it is very avoidable. As a husband, I know I don’t want something like this to happen in my marriage. She deserves my full attention. You can read more about this topic in Hebrews 13:4.
So what do you do? Well, I simply just unfollowed the individual. I suppose you could also send a message to let them know why you decided to leave, but the choice is up to you. Be bold in whatever you choose to do, stand up for what you believe and fight for your marriage.
Example #2: How will it affect my manhood?
Going back a few years ago, my marriage was struggling and my eyes were use to lusting. After spending three years at an all guy’s college, it was hard not to fall into the trap of lust. I didn’t know God like I know Him now and I didn’t honor and love my wife the way God has now taught me.
Consider the same example mentioned above about scrolling on your networks and finding something inappropriate, such as racy images, foul language, or just rude or tasteless comments. Instead of approaching it from a husband’s point of view, this time I view it as a question of manhood. Knowing what my struggles have been in the past, why would I want to follow an individual who is posting this type of material? Material I know will bring me down and cause me to falter again! Hasn’t the path of maturity taught me anything? Shouldn’t you and I both know better? Read more about this in 2 Timothy 2:22.
So what do you do? Similar to above, you have to let go of the fear and opinions of others and unfollow. Again, it may not be a bad thing to offer the individual some advice or reasoning behind your actions, but ultimately you need to choose and do what is best for you. Well, you need to choose to do what pleases God. I’m not saying this is easy, but it’s the right thing to do.
What’s the Bottom Line?
Social Media is a blessing in many ways. I have had the pleasure of meeting many new people through my personal accounts and through Manturity accounts. But you must be careful when you approach areas of concern. Don’t wait or hesitate in thinking the person maybe made a mistake or that they can change. Make the changes you need to make to stay on the straight and narrow path that Jesus has you on.
Choose to honor your marriage. Choose to be mature in your manhood. And choose to please God in your actions on and off-line. Start taking action today.
Share some ways you can relate to these topics in your own marriage.
Image credit: photka / 123RF Stock Photo
