But, is it a place to post what ever we want? Or is it our own private place to vent? How can we use it better to glorify God and to obey the Great Commandment to love God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. We can faithfully use Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Google+.
The following questions should help discern your heart and make sure that your social media use is pleasing to God, which include a few points I adapted from Kevin Halloran's detailed blog on this topic.
1. Be mature:
1 Cor. 10:23 All things are permissible ,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up.
1 Cor. 24. Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.
1 Cor. 8:13, I don't want to cause another believer to stumble.
Bascially, don't post anything that may be a stumbling block to someone else.
2. Do people see the light of Christ in you based on what you post?
“…let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
Your posts present a unique opportunity to let your light shine before others and use it as a ministry. With your updates, you are able to show people the hope that you have in Jesus Christ, and the transforming power of the gospel. Don’t forget the awesome opportunity you have to proclaim to the world the unsearchable riches of Christ! Let your light shine.
3. Do you use social media as a platform to complain?
“Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.” Philippians 2:14-15
Despite what you may think, you should not use it to complain about others. If you are in a fight with your spouse, keep it between you two; not you two and the whole internet world.
3. Do you use social media for unprofitable arguments?
“A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.” Proverbs 18:2
There is no shortage of social media arguments about politics, sports, religion, you name it! While some conversations can be profitable, many others can be a waste of time and energy (see Proverbs 18:2 above).
Instead of “feeding the trolls” (that is, answering fools only interested in expressing their opinions), invest your time and energy into something useful and profitable.
4. Do your posts build up or tear down?
“From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.” James 3:10
And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. James 3:6
Social media is rampant with gossip, bullying, pessimism and complaining. Instead of being just like the world, be a light in the world by using your words to build others up. Think about what situations or topics might tempt you to speak negatively, and be on your guard when a friend might post something that pushes one of your buttons. My mom used to say, "don't argue with a fool, those who are watching, can't tell the difference."
There are three things you can do to better the internet. I asked our congregation to tithe their posts, committing that 1-out of-10 of our posts be dedicated to reach out, to witness, and to expand the Kingdom of God.
1. Share a God-glorifying Word
2. Share a God-glorifying Link
3. Share a God-glorifying Image
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