I played high school football for the Satsuma Gators in the sweltering heat and humidity of August two-a-day practices. Gatorade hadn’t been invented yet and staying hydrated was considered a sign of weakness.
That was ignorance, but it was the norm back then.
On that gridiron in Lower Alabama, near the coast, I learned lessons that have shaped my life for 50 years. Head coach Don Jennings drilled into us: “You only get out of something what you put into it.” Those words stuck with me. They’ve influenced everything I’ve done since and left a lasting mark on my life.
The Bible has much to say about the power of words. A quick search reveals countless verses, all clear and direct. For example, Ephesians 4:29 says, “No foul language should come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear.”
Proverbs 18:21 reminds us, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
And James 3:6 warns, “The tongue is a fire. The tongue, a world of unrighteousness, is placed among our members. It stains the whole body, sets the course of life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.”
Surely James had a glimpse of a future with social media when he wrote that verse.
Research by psychologist Matthias Mehl shows that the average American speaks 16,000 words per day, with some reaching as many as 47,000. Unfortunately, many of those words now end up on social media.
Social media has its benefits, but has there ever been a more far reaching and effective tool for sowing division? I can’t think of one.
Randy Davis
That’s why the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board has a strict social media policy. We understand that what we say — regardless of the medium — reflects on the TBMB, whether it’s related to our mission, organization, or personal views. Violating this policy can result in anything from a strong reprimand to termination.
Does that sound rigid? I don’t think so. The TBMB exists to serve churches by multiplying gospel leaders who advance God’s kingdom. Anything we say that detracts from that mission undermines the work entrusted to us by Tennessee Baptists.
Some might argue, “What about an employee’s First Amendment right to free speech?” Our mission takes precedence. While we are blessed to live under the freedoms guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution, as believers serving churches, we ultimately submit to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. That’s our highest priority.
If you’re a disciple of Christ, you share the same responsibility to submit your speech to His Lordship.
In his 2022 bestselling book, The Gift of Influence: Creating Life-Changing and Lasting Impact in Your Everyday Interactions, Tommy Spaulding writes that, over a lifetime, you will positively or negatively influence 80,000 people, the capacity of AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys.
Pastor, before you post to social media, ask yourself: Are you filling your stadium with people positively influenced by your words, or are you sending them running for the exits?
Let that sink in.
Jim Henry, who served as senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Orlando for nearly 30 years, offers a simple guide before speaking: Is it true? Is it helpful? Is it necessary?
Much of what I see on social media — often from ministers — fails the test of being helpful or necessary.
Here’s the point: Our effectiveness as Christ’s ambassadors to a spiritually lost world is both eternally significant and incredibly fragile. The difference often comes down to the words we speak — or post.
In a world where words are often used to tear others down, be a Coach Jennings. Say something that will positively influence people for the rest of their lives.
It’s a joy to be on this journey with you. B&R
