How do you choose your friends? Proverbs 13:20 states:
He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will suffer harm.
In the age of social media, friendship, in my opinion, has taken a turn for the worse. Now I realize that few people truly consider all the individuals they call friends on Facebook to be true friends. They may not even know them. What concerns me is how the actions of others on social websites even tarnish the reputation of others.
I have had to remove individuals from my friends list because of an inappropriate rant. I do not want others to form opinions about me based on the actions of someone else. Frankly, I would never put up with such behavior in person, so why should I tolerate it on the web?
What seems to escape the perception of many, especially the younger generation, is that the actions of those with whom we associate does have unintended consequences on us. But for me, it is not a matter of whether or not a perspective employer will hire me because of my Facebook page. No, I am concerned as to how my association with others will impact my ability to serve the Lord.
Should I care what people think of me? Yes, if my association with others will hinder me from witnessing to a lost person. If I should not engage in conversation that is inappropriate around the water cooler at work because it harms my witness, should I engage in conversation that is inappropriate on the web?
You may not be walking in the traditional sense with these individuals, but none the less they are a companion. And if they are being foolish in their behavior will it cause you harm? Like it our not, you are known by the company you keep!