Today the country is talking about the scandal involving Congressman Anthony Weiner and his inappropriate behavior on the internet.  ABC News reports that “Email, Facebook and phone records provided to ABC News by another woman, Meagan Broussard, show Weiner communicated aggressively, through multiple electonic channels, and often using an alias.”

This lapse of judgment, and decision to attempt to cover it up is  unfortunate on many levels.  This post is not intended to bash Congressman Weiner, rather offer simple tips on how to monitor your internet use with integrity.

5 Tips for Integrity on the internet

1. Don’t accept “Friend Requests” of people that could tempt you.  Everyone knows when they are attracted to someones physical appearance, or pictures they have posted on their profile.  When this happens, guard your heart and simple don’t accept their request.  This will keep you from seeing their stream of posts constantly.  “The integrity of the upright shall guide them.”  Proverbs 11:3
2. If Married: Don’t accept “Friend Requests of old girlfriends or boyfriends that you are still attracted to.  This is trouble waiting to happen!  A simple “Hey, how have you been?”  will turn into an internet relationship quickly!  You have no reason to “catch up” with an old flame if you are married.  Don’t deceive yourself into thinking it’s harmless.  Especially if you find yourself reminiscing on old times, or sharing the struggles in your marriage with your ex.  No one, and nothing should come between you and your spouse.  “…and shall cleave unto his wife, and they shall be one flesh.”  Genesis 2:24
3. Un-friend/Block anyone that crosses the line and posts inappropriate pictures or status updates.  This is self explanitory.  If you see something inappropriate, block it from your stream of updates.  “Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.”  Proverbs 4:24
4. Assess: Who are you “chatting” with and why?  We all know the difference between harmless, decent, and appropriate messages, and those the are close to or cross the line.  If someone crosses a line with you, simply stop talking to them.  Don’t reply.  Don’t go down that road.  Block or un-friend them if necessary.  Remember, you are the one who is responsible for “guarding your heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life.”  Proverbs 4:23
5. If my wife and children can’t read it, I shouldn’t post it.  This can be a simple rule to use to determine what you are looking at, reading, posting or sharing on the internet.  It takes a strong, focused, and disciplined people to monitor what they read and click.  Make sure we are using internet to build each other up, rather than harming marriages and families.  “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city. ”  Proverbs 16:32

Love and lead your family today by walking in integrity on the internet!

Click here for Freddie’s book, The Dad I Wish I Had

Click here for Freddie’s website, www.freddiescott.org