How To Lose Your Salvation Online

This is a topic that I feel compelled to write about. We all know about the obvious things that are done online that are sinful (pornography, etc.), but what about how we conduct ourselves in online forums, chat rooms and comments sections.  I’m online quite a bit; mostly on alternative news and faith based websites. The thing that appalls me the most is the behavior of many of those that call themselves followers of Jesus.

For some reason people think that they can take on an anonymous online persona and declare open season on anyone that they disagree with. Somehow they think that this is ok. A lot of what I see is Christians fighting against other Christians online. I’ve seen everything from name calling to cursing to hurling racial epithets. There is something profoundly wrong when I see someone quoting the word of God in one post and then cursing their brother or sister in a different post.  

The internet has given people a new boldness to lash out and behave in ways that they would never do face to face. It’s easy to hide behind a created persona, but don’t forget that one day we will all stand before God and give an account of every word (yes that includes written) and deed done in our lives.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love joy peace, longsuffering gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law,” Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV). This passage of scripture pretty much sums up how a follower of Jesus will conduct themselves. Notice, I said will and not should. These behaviors are the fruit of having the Spirit and living a Spirit led life.

One of the tactics of satan is to come in and create division amongst the body of Christ. Mark 3:25 says, “And if a house be divided against itself that house cannot stand” (KJV). So if we are all busy tearing each other down and fighting amongst ourselves we as a body are not being a light in this dark world.  No wonder the world looks at us and wants no part of being a Christian. So the next time that you find yourself in this situation, even if someone else is hurling insults at you; ask yourself what would Jesus do?