For a Christian VA finding your way in a world that appears to be governed by the devil can be daunting, especially if you step out and make that verbal claim that “you are a Christian VA”. Every site you surf through online will prompt you to make a choice. It is how you handle that choice that will determine if working online is right for you.

As a mentor, I am often asked if I believe there is a place for one’s personal faith in the Internet realm of business. My answer is always – YES! I believe that without God we are nothing. It is He who has given me the opportunity to serve others as their business mentor and assistant. I cannot live one day without recognizing that by God’s grace I have the knowledge and skills to help others.

I will not lie. It is this bold step, to open my heart, which has caused pain and disappointment. (“Give freely and spontaneously…” Deuteronomy 15:10) But if I am not first honest with myself, how can I be honest with others. The characteristics of Christ are instilled in me. I face every choice in my day by first asking, “What would Jesus do?” Then, I act on it.

Many Christian Virtual Assistants and clients struggle with Social Media. It is not due to the lack of knowledge but rather the inability to protect one’s self from intrusive responses. The platform Facebook offers, for instance, puts you in touch with people who honestly do not care about who you are spiritually. Their main objective is to pull you into their personal business they obviously make public and insist you to engage in gossip. (“Don’t pass on malicious gossip.” Exodus 23:1 NIV)

Should I participate in Social Media?

Social Media has become the main platform for free marketing and there is no way you can avoid it if you want to give your clients the full experience of using your services. Yes, you can hide your head in the sand and close out the world. That is your right, but doing so will hurt your business. The key is to find the right balance and plenty of prayer.

I see Social Media as an opportunity to minister. I approach it with the mindset that nothing I say online, whether by IM, blogging, or even email is private. Therefore, it is important that I be mindful of my words. I would not be ashamed to say face to face what I say online or even to share with members of my church. I am in control of the settings and I can determine who is a threat and who is a friend.

Remember – You are what you post.
(“As dead flies give perfume a bad smell, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.” Ecclesiastes 10:1 NIV)

Remember, what would Jesus do? With every prompt you are given to respond, keep that question in the back of your mind and respond accordingly. You are first a Christian. If you’ve made that choice to let the world know they can trust your services because you serve the Lord first, then you must keep that same integrity when posting online.

So dear friend (Christian VA), it is my opinion that your purpose online is to be that light at the end of the tunnel, be that leader who directs others down a path of righteousness, be the comforter when your client has lost all patience, and be willing to give of your heart even if it will be trampled on. If you are not willing to do any of this, your purpose in life cannot be fulfilled here on the Internet.