Bob Tamasy: Tweet Unto Others As You Would Have Them Tweet Unto You – The Chattanoogan

Social media. I have a definite love-hate relationship with it. Sites like Facebook, LinkedIn and even Twitter have been great for staying connected with people I dont see on a regular basis, as well as reconnecting with folks I hadnt seen or talked with for many years. What a way to quickly reach out to old friends!

But the social media also have their dark side. Behind the safety of their screens and keyboards, some people use these forums to say things they would never think of speaking in public, especially face-to-face with their targets. No wonder our society has become increasing negative, even snarky. With the flick of a finger, people can bully or demean without fearing repercussions. And social media definitely arent the place to conduct a civil discussion or debate.

Which leads me to the topic for today: Most of us are familiar with the so-called golden rule. And I dont mean the one that goes, He who has the gold, rules. Im referring to what Jesus taught in His sermon on the mount, as well as His response when religious leaders challenged Him, asking Him to specify which commandment in Jewish law He considered to be the greatest, or most important.

Addressing a large crowd of His disciples, as well as many curious onlookers, Jesus was teaching about relationships, especially with those they would regard as enemies. He taught that instead of responding to their unkind or even evil treatment with the same kind of behavior, instead they should pray for them and, whenever possible, do good to them.

He said, in the King James translation I learned as a young person, Do unto others as you would have them do unto you (Luke 6:31). Thats clear enough, but I like the way a popular paraphrase, The Message, expresses it: Here is a simple, rule-of thumb guide for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them (Matthew 7:12).

Jesus also stated this principle another way. After asserting that the greatest commandment of all is, Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind, He added, the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37-39).

Imagine for a minute if, before they impulsively texted something hurtful, sent a nasty email, or crafted a nasty response to someone on a social medium like Facebook or Twitter, everyone paused long enough to consider, Is this the kind of thing I would like others to say to me? Is this the way Id want other people to treat me?

They could also check themselves by self-inquiring, Is what Im preparing to post (or text) a reflection of the love I have for myself and what Id like others to demonstrate to me?

As Ive read through the book of Proverbs, Ive found many passages that concern how we communicate with one another. For instance: Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips (Proverbs 4:24). And Proverbs 11:12 states, A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue.

Proverbs 12:18 affirms, Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. I could cite dozens of other passages, in both the Old and New Testaments, but the one I think sums it up is Ephesians 4:25, Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Maybe, for communications sake, we should rephrase the Golden Rule to, Tweet unto others as you would have them tweet unto you. And if you think Im preaching, even meddling, please know my No. 1 audience is myself.

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Robert J. Tamasy is a veteran journalist, former newspaper editor and magazine editor. Bob has written, co-authored and edited more than 15 books. These include the newly published, Marketplace Ambassadors; Business At Its Best: Timeless Wisdom from Proverbs for Todays Workplace; Tufting Legacies, The Heart of Mentoring, and Pursuing Life With a Shepherds Heart. A weekly business meditation he edits, Monday Manna, is translated into more than 20 languages and sent via email around the world by CBMC International. The address for his blog is http://www.bobtamasy.blogspot.com. His email address is btamasy@comcast.net.

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Bob Tamasy: Tweet Unto Others As You Would Have Them Tweet Unto You - The Chattanoogan