Have you seen the meme “rustle my jimmies”? It came into use in 2010 and expresses strong emotional angst toward someone else’s post on the Internet. As a blog manager for the past seven years, I’ve observed my share of “jimmy rustling” in the comments section—on this blog and on other blogs. Yes, it appears even Christians get their jimmies rustled from time to time.
When I read a disgruntled commenter expressing sharp criticism toward the author of a post, it makes me think of this admonition from James:
“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be
- quick to hear
- slow to speak
- slow to anger;
for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (1:19–20).
I can’t help but wonder how this verse might read if James were addressing modern-day blog readers. Something like this, maybe?
Know this, my beloved Internet users: let every scanner be
- quick to read carefully and slowly to the end of a post
- quick to seek to understand where the author is coming from
- slow to comment
for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God (James 1:19–20).
One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received is to seek to understand before seeking to be understood (again, just another way of summarizing James 1:19–20). That said, would you mind if I passed on five pieces of advice that will aid you in not getting your jimmies rustled—and not sinning in your responses?
1. Don’t judge a post by its title.
In order to catch readers’ attention in a culture glutted with information, bloggers have to write intriguing titles in order for readers to even click on their posts. So give the author a break and read their post before blasting them for their title. Even then, don’t blast them for their title. Comment on their whole presentation, not on six words stripped of their context.
2. Don’t post a comment before reading to the end of the post.
Often the writer is making the same argument you are; you just haven’t stuck around long enough to realize it.
3. Do ask clarifying questions.
Rather than reading between the lines and connecting dots that aren’t really there, ask the author what they meant by such-and-such. Give them a chance to clarify rather than putting words in their mouth.
4. Do pray, re-read, and wait a bit before you instantly post a comment.
Growing up, my mom taught me not to send an important email immediately after writing it, but to leave some space before sending it. She probably got that idea from the Word of God: “Whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way” (Prov. 19:2).
Words can never be taken back. I trust bloggers are doing the same thing as they write a post: praying, re-reading, and waiting before instantly posting their thoughts on the Internet.
5. Do share truth in love.
If correction is indeed needed, share it in love. The apostle Paul says it better than I:
I . . . urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all (Eph. 4:1–6).
I’m not saying you have to agree with everything that’s posted on the Internet, or even on this blog. Hardly. But I am asking you to help me change the commenting culture to one that honors God, gently corrects where needed, and encourages where possible.
I’d love to hear what you think. Have you noticed this same trend? How have you either contributed to or bucked the my-jimmies-are-rustled-and-you’re-gonna-hear-about-it system?
5 Ways to Read a Blog Post Without Getting Your Jimmies Rustled was originally posted on ReviveOurHearts.com.
Paula (Hendricks) Marsteller is a compassionate, bold Christian communicator offering you gospel hope, thought-provoking questions, and practical help along the way.
YES!!! Amen annnnnd AMEN!!! I don’t always agree with people but I believe that you can kindly state your opinion in a Godly fashion!!! You don’t have to go ballistic…jus CHILL…most of the stuff is NOT a heaven or hell issue just a difference of a opinion. And as Christians, IF we disagree with one other, we SHOULD still be able to act like a Christian WHILE we disagree! One thing I always like to remind myself of is the scripture, They will know we are his disciples by our LOVE one to another. I always feel like that’s saying, THE WORLD, will know we are his disciples, by our love to our fellow disciples. Anywayz, yeah, I’ve totally noticed and think this is a great post!!! Thank you for sharing sista!!! :))))
Thanks for your encouragement, Mary!
Your welcome! Btw I just recently read your book and LOVED it!!! I’ve already recommended it several friends and plan to do a book review for it on my blog very soon!!! Your title definatley caught my attention, considering the fact that I’m the girl that had a crush on the piano player and brought my camera/binoculars to a youth conference so I could get good pics of him…yES really!!! LOL Hate to admit that I WAS 19 at the time buuuuut at least I can NOW SAY its been over 12 years ago!!! AHAHA!!!
Lol. Classic move, Mary. 🙂
Thanks so much for reading “Confessions of a Boy-Crazy Girl,” sharing it with others, and taking the time to encourage me. Let me know if I can send you a copy or two as giveaways on your blog. Btw, what’s your blog URL?