keeping it social on social media

Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus
Colossians 3:17 | NIV

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I love social media. Twitter has become my first source of news and opinion, You Tube my go-to platform for teaching and worship videos. I have amazing real-time conversations with friends on WhatsApp while Facebook enables me to engage with friends all over the world. I write and read blogs, Pinterest keeps me stocked up with great recipes and inspirational quotes, and – apparently – my house is really Instagram-able! What’s not to like?  

Except… as well as connection, information, and inspiration, there is a darker side to social we need to be aware of. It is easy to get drawn into arguments and emotional outpourings and tempting to show off - just a little - in our posts. We may think people won’t notice, but they do. The world is watching, and bad behaviour online can damage the reputation of Jesus and his church.

So, how should Christians engage with others on social media? I think there are some helpful questions we can ask before we get stuck in online.

Is my heart right?
I recently questioned a Christian leader on an open platform about a post in which he was deeply critical of another Christian leader. This wasn’t his usual style and I was concerned because he is normally someone I consider is committed to living in peace (Romans 12:18). I was really careful with the wording of my comment; it was a gentle challenge, sent with great respect. I didn’t criticise either leader, but simply asked a couple of questions to make the first leader think about what he had said and whether he had any evidence on which to base his comments. He apologised and took his post down. His was a humble and helpful response and I know there is a blessing that comes with a commitment to maintaining unity and he will receive it (Psalm 33).

Is this post triggering something in me that needs to be dealt with?
The Holy Spirit will often use every day events to get us to examine ourselves and see if our hearts are right. This includes social media posts. It might be a post from someone who has got a new job just as you’ve lost yours. It could be friend celebrating another wedding anniversary when your marriage isn’t going so well. If there is something lacking in our experience or some hurt we haven’t worked through, social media posts can highlight them for us. If you find yourself hiding a post or scrolling through it quickly or reading something and feeling a little stab of pain or jealousy as you do it, stop and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the problem and bring his healing.

Am I looking for answers or attention in the wrong place?
The only one who can meet our deepest needs and provide the solution to our problems is the Father. Online chats, forums and blogs can be helpful for information, advice and encouragement but no-one knows you and the your circumstances better than the Father. Going online should never replace going to him.

It is also true that whilst social media is a fantastic tool for connecting with people, our community needs to be face-to-face, too. Don't give up meeting with other people (Hebrews 10:25).

Am I boasting?
Proverbs 27::2 tells us “Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips”. This is good advice for us as we try to share our lives in ways that show how amazing it is to be part of the Kingdom of God. As we celebrate, we need to make sure we point to hims as the source of every good gift as much as we can.

Until next month.

L x

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What is your approach to social media? Any hints and tips? Add them in the comments below.