SOCIAL MEDIA AND THE CHRISTIAN

"... whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." - 1 Corinthians 10:31

Social media is a blessing in many ways.  It allows me to stay in contact with family, old school chums, former co-workers and friends.  Social media also keeps me encouraged and inspired by those in ministry.  I find my soul being enriched with the wisdom that is sometimes shared on social media.

Despite all the positive potential that social media offers, it is also a place where people show their evil nature.  Profanity, accusations, name-calling, bullying and threats are not uncommon on social media.  For me, the worst part of social media is the conduct of professing Christians.  So let me share some common sense tips with my Christian friends.

1.  DON'T USE PROFANITY

First of all, a Christian should not use profanity.  Ever.  Posting filthy language on social media is totally inexcusable.  Think before you post something on social media.  Remember that unbelievers read your words.  How can you be an effective witness to the lost when your language is just as bad as theirs?  Secondly, remember that God sees the words you post on social media.  Don't use profanity.  Don't use God's Name in vain. 

2.  BE KIND

You will not always agree with the opinions of others.  That's fine.  Be courteous.  It is true that our nation has become angry, hostile and downright mean.  That is no excuse for a Christian to act this way.  Sometimes the best thing you can do is to agree to disagree.  Jerry Vines once said, "A Christian does not have the luxury to be unkind."

3.  DON'T AIR YOUR DIRTY LAUNDRY

Too many professing Christians use social media to express their frustrations.  Whether it is work-related problems, family issues, marital disharmony, or disagreements with the neighbors, some vent their raw emotions on social media.  This only deepens wounds and makes problems worse.  Sure, some may take "your side" on the issue, but in the end you are part of the problem and not part of the solution.  The Bible instructs us how to handle disagreements.  It is time for Christians to obey the Bible. 

4.  DON'T LIVE ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Also, don't spend all day on social media.  You have a life to live, so live it!  John Piper said, “One of the great uses of Twitter and Facebook will be to prove at the Last Day that prayerlessness was not from lack of time.”  Don't waste your life consumed by social media.   Let me recommend that you spend more time every day in God's Book, the Bible, than you do on Facebook.

5.  USE YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA FOR GOD'S GLORY

Finally, Christians should use social media for the glory of God.  Do the things posted on your Facebook wall glorify God?  As your "friends" look at your social media accounts, is it obvious to them that you are a Christian? 

There is nothing wrong with sharing family pictures or clean humor on social media.  Ultimately, social media should be used to glorify God.  Paul wrote, "... whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."  Notice that Paul instructs us to do ALL to the glory of God.  I believe that in 2018, this includes social media.  

Social media is a great tool, but it must be used correctly.  Use social media for the glory of God.