Choose to TWEET, but don't be a TWIT

I was meeting with a group of guys from the small group that I attend the other day. We were discussing the internet, blogs, and twitter. I pointed out the obvious, "If a person on Twitter communicates by tweeting, what do we call a person who tweets?" After several blank stares, I responded to my own question with "a twit." Cheesy... I know. But some of us like cheese. And the more intentional, the better. But this brings me to a question, "Are you a twit?"
Here are some definitions of what a twit is:
a silly annoying person: FOOL (Merriam Webster)
someone who is regarded as contemptible (lexipedia)
a foolishly annoying person (The Free Dictionary)
a derisive reproach; taunt; gibe (Dictionary.com)
an insignificant or bothersome person (Dictionary.com)

Although in some cultures (England, etc...) "twit" may be used with slight affection, on this side of the Atlantic, it is a term of derision. When used, twit not only carries the clear understanding that the user is taunting, but it also requires two key elements. First of all, there must be a good audience to play to. Secondly, there must be distance to prevent the taunted from responding. It’s best used when the referred to “twit” is in a spot where everyone hears what we are saying but the person is helpless to respond. Taunting is usually done from a distance. Although few of us run around looking at people saying "na na na boo boo," we have developed the power of sarcasm and cutting words.

With the advent of "social networking" and the blogosphere, the influence of internet wording has not left relationships unchanged. Often the impact has been good, while other times it has been hurtful. The internet is a powerful tool. Unfortunately, people use it to say what they are really thinking (without reserve, without the normal face-to-face filter). Often these thoughts are in real time via twitter or online statuses. As Christians, we must begin to dialogue and consider how we are to respond. Should our thoughts be readily accessible through such avenues? In the world we justify it through the guise of authenticity—which begs the question if authenticity is always pure. Two of the most prominent ideas in Christianity are #1--God is Good and #2--We are Sinful (Mark 10:18, Psalms 51:5). Outside of His grace and mercy, we have a way of really messing things up. If we believe the Word, then we know our sin nature is constantly at war with the spirit inside of us. This brings me to a question: Is it authentic to spew our thoughts online? Possibly, it is merely the expression of our sinful hearts. And a sinful heart unchecked by the power of the Spirit of God will authentically create relational baggage and damage. The apostle Paul was not moved by a culture's definition of "authenticity." He was moved by truth. Consider this:

Eph 4:29-32 Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but such as is good for edifying as the need may be, that it may give grace to them that hear. (30) And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, in whom ye were sealed unto the day of redemption. (31) Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and railing, be put away from you, with all malice: (32) and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, even as God also in Christ forgave you.

When we move in such damaging speech, it grieves the Spirit of God. And this grief will sap our anointing, our ministry, our relationships, and our families. So is the solution to ignore the struggles inside, put on that facade of a "Christian" smile, and simply suck it up? No. Paul gives us the following advice:

2Co 10:3-5 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh (4) (for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the casting down of strongholds), (5) casting down imaginations, and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ;

It's hard to do, but we have to put our inner thoughts in alignment with the truth of God. This is an act of faith, an act of prayer, and ultimately, an act of submission to His character. So the next time you are tempted to "authentically" blog, email, tweet, or update any status, consider the truth of God speaking through Paul. Choose to Tweet, but don't be a Twit.