Repent and Reboot and Do it FAST

I came across this latest little snippet...
A bishop askes the people of God to consider how they use social media and calls for people to resist the temptation to enter into the 'grave matter' of sin:

...Using social media for abuse or to attack the reputations of other people was a direct sin against the Eighth Commandment, forbidding people from “bearing false witness” against their neighbours, he said in a pastoral letter released March 19.

“We must exercise discretion, respect others and their privacy and not engage in slander, gossip and rash judgment,” the bishop wrote in the document that was to be distributed in parishes the weekend of March 22-23.

I admit that I have, at times, used my other blog--Praylium--in ways that challenged the status quo of the church--both the clergy and laity.

Problem was--it did nothing.  

The same stuff still happens. Poor liturgies, disgruntled gossipy judgemental laity, premadonna clergy, and perhaps my greatest bug--clericalism.

So I toned it down.  I stopped my public observations and slowed down my knee jerk reactions (and my spiritual life seemed to benefit) 

The bishop has a valid point.  The 'grave matter' can cause the unrepentant to eventually rationalize all kinds of selfish sin.  

Why do people lash out via social media?  For many there is anonymity in the virtual world.  And, sadly the virtual world has become the 'only' world for many.  Reality has not been altered but it has been misconstrued so much that one communicates with millions via bullet points and hashtags.  In the past one could be mean and that was it.  Now, one can be mean and then publicize it--instantly--and receive accolades for being a jerk.

And, in church social media, many are critical of the church and her leadership.  

Believe me--clergy and laity and church leadership ALL have their issues, their sins, their annoyances---but guess what--using social media to share the latest gripe with your 'friends' does nothing for the Kingdom.  

Know what really works? Fasting.  Want to address the gripes?  Fast.  Making a few keystrokes does nothing for the Kingdom, but fasting and prayer does.

I understand the bishop's concern and agree with using Lent as a time to repent and reconcile.  Perhaps he ought to have used the term 'reboot' instead of repent?

--just a few thoughts from 'a lost shepherd'