Would Jesus tweet?

In a recent survey of people ages 18-25 when asked what was their life goal, the most highly stated goal was: to become famous.

To become famous.

When I first read that I was a little shocked. But then, I really began to think about this. And I’m not fully convinced that this need to be famous is only amongst the 20-something’s.

As I look at all of our social networking areas like twitter, facebook or even blogs there seems to be this drawing of “He who dies with the most followers…wins.” And people are really going through some very bizarre behaviors to become the most followed, the most re-tweeted, the most friends…the most. Especially with Christians. Narcissism has taken over our culture and become…the norm.

What does one do in the midst of a culture that shouts for us to be convinced that we are the greatest thing since sliced bread when we don’t really like thinking that way very much?

I’m convinced that even within our Christian culture we are looking at this more than ever. Confidence does not seem to be the area lacking in our lives. But who is our confidence in?

Ourselves or God?

That I believe that is becoming the greatest battle amongst those who serve God.

While I think it is great to be able to connect with people I might never connect with in real life online, I think we have really become people who believe we know people based on their status updates. We are status frauds though. Most people only post the happy moments, the highly spiritual moments or the moments that make us…look better. Do I really know a person based on their status updates? I don’t think so.

Many teachers and speakers have poked fun at the question: What would Jesus tweet?

But its a real question to consider. Would His tweets revolve around himself? The building and sustaining of His ministry? Would He tweet just be to…known?

I think what we have to remember is that Jesus is not known for who He was. He is known for what He did. Without the act of the cross, the message of His love and salvation would not have spread like it did.

Yes, ministry can and does happen online. But may we never be convinced that we have to be famous online or in real life to do great things for the kingdom of God. Be known for what you do. Be known for what you stand for. Be known for being willing to listen and reach out to others. Be known for stepping out and reaching towards people who don’t need another facebook friend…they need a real friend.

Don’t just be known for who you are online, in front of an audience. Be the real deal. I’m convinced this is the greatest change we can make in the world around us. And today, I think if Jesus tweeted…He’d simply tell us that He loves us…all of us. With all our social networking quirks and all. [smile] And that He really just wants us to continue to spread His message, the gospel, in any way that we can. If we must tweet…then let us tweet for Him -not for our own selfish gain.