Have you ever stopped to consider what the apostle Paul’s page might look like if he were on Facebook? Friends with Peter. Status update: In prison—again—but well worth it. Paul was tagged in Silas’ Album “Best of Missions Trip—Part 1.” Religious Views: former anti-Christian, sanctified servant. It certainly does offer some room for thought. Would he have “unfriended” John Mark? Written words of rebuke on Demas’ wall? Publicly criticized the Corinthian church in a note?

The online world has changed the church. But the question remains as to whether the results have made our relationships stronger or more volatile. As more and more churches create online communities through tools such as Twitter, interactive blog sites, and Facebook, the body of Christ finds itself wrestling with issues the apostle Paul didn’t have to face.

Or did he? (See Ecclesiastes 1:9-10.)

While the applications might be different because of new settings created by advances in technology, the truths of Scripture remain the same (Psalm 119:89). Narcissistic, negative behavior didn’t begin with modern culture. In his letter to believers in Philippi, Paul shows us that we must crucify our regard for self in order to “press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed [us]” (Philippians 3:12). Doing so will not only influence the focus of our hearts but our behaviors in everyday life—including those online.

While people hold differing opinions on whether Facebook is a friend or foe, the real issue rests with the human heart. Scripture clearly calls us to behave “like” those whose hearts have been searched and tested by God (Jeremiah 17:9-10). Moving in real time, online venues provide ample opportunity to be self-centered.

So before your next online post or comment, perhaps you should ask: Is it true, honorable, right, and pure?

NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Judges 7:1-25