Moses gave this warning to the men of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh. They had chosen for themselves the land on the eastern side of the Jordan River, but they needed to continue to help their brethren secure the land on Jordan's west side. Moses told them that they could have the chosen land as long as they promised to cross the river and help their brethren. They said they would do so, but Moses warned them against going back on their word. If they did not do as they had promised, they would be sinning against the Lord, and their sin would find them out.
This passage tells us something about the sin's nature. We may try to hide our sins, but sin has a way of revealing itself and exposing us as transgressors.
What alarms me is the manner in which some of our brethren appear to be either brazen or foolish in the way they advertise their sins on the internet. Social networking sites, such as Facebook, allow people to stay in contact with each other. Members of these sites can talk about their daily activities, make announcements to their friends, and even post pictures and videos of themselves for viewing by others.
There is certainly nothing wrong with such websites. They serve a good purpose. However, some of them have exposed the sins of some Christians. Sometimes, brethren leave comments containing language that Christians should never use, or indicate that they have been involved in (or enjoy) sinful activities. "Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers... But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor course jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks." (Ephesians 4:29: 5:3-4).
To make matters worse, these posts sometimes contain pictures or videos that serve as evidence of the person's involvement in sinful activities. Instead of trying to hide their sin, they have posted it on the internet for the whole world to see. Such brazen celebration of one's sin reminds me of the words of Jeremiah: "Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? No! They were not at all ashamed; nor did they know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among those who fall; at the time I punish them, they shall be cast down, says the Lord." (Jeremiah 6:15)
The reality television phenomenon has made an impact on our culture. Everyone can be a star, and the bolder a person's behavior, the bigger the star he can be. The posts that some young Christians leave on social networking sites reveal the fact that they have been influenced by current worldly trends. There was a time when members of the Lord's church were ashamed of their sinful conduct and tried to keep it a secret. Today, some Christians proudly display their sins on the internet where everyone can read about them, rate them, comment on them, and forward them to others.
Apparently, the only people who aren't supposed to see or comment on their posts are their brethren who will hold them accountable for their sinful words, attitudes, and actions. Sometimes, these sinning Christians become angry when their brethren confront them about their posts, as if the internet is somehow off limits. They try to make those who confront them out to be the bad guys for snooping around and spying on them. Give me a break. There's a reason it's called the World Wide Web. The only purpose for putting things on social networking sites is so everyone can see them. Such reasoning reminds me of another prophet's message: "Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil..." (Isaiah 5:20).
Brethren, we live in a world that delights in celebrating sin. There will always be a temptation to conform, but we are to resist the allurements of the world:
"Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the LORD Almighty." (2 Corinthians 6:17-18)
"Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation." (1 Peter 2:11, 12)
When we do sin, we are not to try to hide our sins (nor proudly display them on the internet). We must confess our sins, repent of them, and seek God's forgiveness (Acts 8:22; 1 John 1:9). Be sure that your sin will find you out-especially if you post it on the internet.
Our brother makes a valid point. Christians need to remember that we are duty-bound to make sure our influence and example always point people to the Lord-not to the world. I have also noticed that some people on Facebook say some things they do which they ought to give careful consideration before posting them on the web. For example: I was commenting on a post from another brother, whom I know by name. My questions resulted in a comment back from the brother. I thought I was sending a private e-mail message regarding some of my reservations I about his work; unfortunately, the exchange went on HIS page, where those on his list could read it. Later, when I saw him, I apologized for it having been posted on his page, instead of being what I thought was a private e-mail. Live and learn.
We need to understand the power of our influence in any given situation, be it written or spoken. Sadly, many fail to see what is wrong with many of their practices, and they unknowingly expose their weaknesses to others via the internet. May God help us to remember we are Christians 24/7, 365 days a year.
Don't throw the baby out with the bath water. Facebook also receives many positive posts that share the gospel and spiritual messages of encouragement. We just need to make sure that the examples we set on internet sites are the same as those we try to set in our lives. God is depending on us to make a difference! (KMG)