Have you ever noticed how people will say things on the internet or in an email that they would never say to your face? Before I continue, let me make a point. I’m not replying to anybody on my blog. I’m not getting back at anyone. I’m not responding to a problem (that would be ironic wouldn’t it). I’m just making an observation. People say things on Twitter and Facebook, in blogs and emails, that they would never say to your face.

Jesus says in Matthew 5:37, “Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’” In other words, be a man or woman of your word. Don’t say things about someone online that you wouldn’t say to their face. Here are two questions to ask so you can avoid counterfeit courage. 

1. Does it edify others? Philippians 4:8 says, “Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”

The word “meditate” means to dwell. This is where you ought to live. Live in Philippians 4:8. That’s your new neighborhood. Don’t let your mind live in the gutter of anger, frustration, and bitterness. Let your mind live in the neighborhood of godliness, holiness, and righteousness.

Think before you type. Imagine that the words you type are actually words you speak. Would you really say that? Would you really speak that way? Are your words true, noble, just, pure, loving, good, virtuous, and praiseworthy?

2. Does it glorify God? 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Let me see if I can paraphrase. “Whether you tweet or email, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

This is the grid by which we should gauge all of our communication – face-to-face, online, telephone, written, fax, telegraph, morse code…you get the point. Does it glorify God? Remember, even if your hiding behind a computer screen God sees you and knows your heart. Do all things for His glory.

Don’t be an internet sniper. Don’t throw grenades through your computer screen. Don’t display counterfeit courage.  Ask yourself these two simple questions. Does it edify others and does it glorify God?