South Korean officials have recently indicted a blogger who has warned the public about financial woes through his “gloomy forecasts” posts.

Under the pseudonym Minerva (Goddess of Wisdom from Roman Mythology), he’s being charged with breaking “Communication Laws” and faces up to 5 years in prison. The President has called for a tougher crackdown on “cyber slander” as a result.

Wow. Really?

For many bloggers this news is disappointing and an outrage. Issues about “freedom of speech” come instantly to mind. Obviously the officials are thinking that too:

Since his detention earlier this month, legal experts have questioned whether authorities had legal grounds to prosecute individuals.

“The Minerva case shows that the tradition of rule of law has yet to set root firmly in our society,” said Dankook University law professor Ji Seong-woo.

But we, as Christians, can learn a thing or two from this… or be kindly reminded of the simple fact that we must be as cautious as we are wise before we hit the “Publish” button.

We are subject to the authorities which rule over us, both at the ministry level and civic level. We are also to be servants (and “slaves” Paul calls it) to all those that we seek to minister to.

Although out of context, Ephesians 6:20 popped into my head reminding me that we are “Ambassadors in Chains”.

Have you ever hit the attractive, blue, “Publish” button before thinking twice? I know I have.