Relationships: Passing the Vibe CheckSample

Day 9: Serious Social Influencing

1 Corinthians 2:3-5 New International Version (NIV)

3 I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. 4 My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, 5 so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.

Paul wrote this letter to the Corinthians, and he shares his fear about preaching the Gospel in verse three. He is quick to say how his message isn't about fancy phrasing, but rather what he preaches is from the power of the Holy Spirit. Are you seeing a pattern here? From the Spirit that raised Jesus from the tomb to the Spirit that empowered Paul and showed him what to say and how to say it, power flows from God to people on the earth. This same power is joined with your spirit.

When you speak or use social media to communicate your message to others, are you careful to be fearful and tremble (like Paul) with the weight and the power of your words? When we hold technology in our hands, we must realize the far-reaching ripples of our messages, and the best way to see how we influence others and develop relationships is to look at our communications in comparison to Paul's. He wasn't in the hunt for likes, shares, emojis, or instant reactions. As Christians, we can have a good time with social media, but we must also learn how to get away from our message and focus on God's message. No matter how cute or clever you think your posts are, be more modest about your wisdom when deciding what to post and rely on God's wisdom. This practice alone will solve your social media woes.

Paul continues.

1 Corinthians 2:6-7 New International Version (NIV)

6 We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 7 No, we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began.

"The wisdom of this age [and] the wisdom of the rulers of this age…are coming to nothing." That feels about right, doesn't it? In Paul's time, the earthly rulers were the officials who oversaw Christ's crucifixion. In this modern age, we still have human rulers in our governments, but we also have other leaders with whom we have relationships. We have media influencers and movie stars. Sometimes we also place actual objects in a ruler position over us such as cell phones, gaming systems, makeup and hair products, sex, alcohol, tobacco, or drugs. These can be vastly important in a young adult's life and relationships. But Christians cannot compare these items to God. All the positive feelings or addictions cannot replace the wisdom and power of God that is hidden in your heart as a believer. Even when the ruling people and objects of our lives appear to have beauty, prestige, wealth, and importance, all of them will come to nothing. Nothing. Only God's wisdom will be able to lead us effectively. Only His wisdom will allow us to communicate well with the people in our circles. Find His wisdom through Bible reading, devotions, journaling, and prayer time.

One more scripture will help you see this important idea.

Psalm 119:9-11 New International Version (NIV)

9 How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. 10 I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. 11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

The purity in verse 9 can encompass many relationships like pure motives with your parents and siblings, pure intentions with your best friends, sexual purity with your significant other, or pure actions in work to develop knowledge and trust with teachers and bosses. This is a wonderful Psalm to use as a prayer. Write it down. Hang a copy on your mirror. Put it on your screen saver. Seek Him with all your heart to ensure pure relationships.

·How do you approach the process of sending messages to your friends?

·To what extent do you communicate through your phone in fear and trembling when you consider the power inside of you and the power of your messages as a believer?

·What does the technology of communication and social media represent to you as a student? To you as a Christian?

·Who/What do you allow to be a leader in your life? Why?

·What steps can you take to be more mindful of the messages you send and receive as you develop relationships?