Technology is both an opportunity and an obstacle. It just depends on how you use it. We've spent three weeks asking how our screens influence us, but today, we will ask how are we influencing others through our screens, specifically through social media? Paul tells one of his pastors, Titus, to encourage his church to be mindful of how they act for the sake of the gospel. Titus 2:10 NLT ...Then they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive in every way. If Jesus has your attention, and Jesus has your affection, your action for Jesus should make Jesus attractive. Christians should use social media differently than non-Christians. We're called to be different, and that not only includes what is on our screens, but what comes from our screens. Social media is going to amplify what's already in your heart—whether good or bad. So we need to be careful and consider how we use it. Ephesians 5:8-10 NLT For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. Carefully, not carelessly. Three questions we should ask ourselves before we post something on social media: 1. IS IT ? John 14:6 NLT I am the way, the truth, and the life. The best lie detector isn't a fact-checker, but intimacy with Jesus, who is the Truth. Why would someone listen to you about your faith if you don't care about the truth in other areas of your life? Social media is not all real. Your feed tempts you to sacrifice what's real for what's rehearsed; what's factual for what's fake. Social media makes it easier to bear false witness against your neighbor. To "bear false witness" is to say something untrue about someone else. Proverbs 6:16;19 NLT There are six things the Lord hates—no, seven things he detests:... a false witness who pours out lies. Satan is called the "accuser of the brethren" so if you're sharing false information—whether intentional or not—you're helping the devil do his dirty work. Social media feeds confirmation bias. Confirmation bias is our tendency to want to hear whatever supports what we already believe. The more you want something to be true, the easier it is to believe it if it's a lie. So before you post or share, ask "Is this true, or do I just WANT it to be true?" Social media gives unequal opinions an equal platform. While people have equal value, opinions do not have equal validity. Some people have something to say, and some people just have to say something. Know the difference. 2. IS IT ? John 13:35 NLT Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples. People shouldn't have to meet you in person to discover that you're nicer than your Facebook account. Social media removes face-to-face empathy. "Online disinhibition" is when we type things through a screen we would never say to someone seated across the table from us. Remember there is an image-bearer on the other side of the screen. You don't have to agree with them, but if you don't treat them well, God may need to defend them against you. Social media often causes us to prioritize politics over people. John 6:15 NLT When Jesus saw that they were ready to force him to be their king, he slipped away into the hills by himself. Jesus isn't your political mascot; He is GOD. Have the opinion, but don't sacrifice a person you're called to love for an opinion you're allowed to have. Social Media makes it easy to get sucked into pointless arguments. Titus 3:9 NLT Do not get involved in foolish discussions about spiritual pedigrees[a] or in quarrels and fights about obedience to Jewish laws. These things are useless and a waste of time. Don't win the argument and lose your influence. The goal for the Christian isn't just to make a point. Our goal is to make a difference. 3. IS IT ? James 3:13 NKJV Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. Social media is immediate communication. James 1:19 NLT You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Wisdom often waits. Proverbs 29:20 NLT There is more hope for a fool than for someone who speaks without thinking. The algorithm wants your first reaction; Wisdom wants your best one. Social media makes venting too easy. Proverbs 29:11 NLT Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back. Not every emotion needs an audience. Not everything you feel needs to become content for others to consume. Don't trade tomorrow's credibility for today's emotional release. Social media makes it easy to brag. Galatians 6:4 NLT Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won't need to compare yourself to anyone else. Christians are called to build bridges but bragging creates barriers. Some things belong in a conversation, not a comment section. Some things belong with a friend, not your followers. Some things need to be prayed about instead of posted about. So, what would Jesus post? He'd encourage people, He'd celebrate people, He'd build relationships, and He'd share the good news. Ending Pete Hoekstra, U.S. Ambassador to the Netherlands. Here was the problem: Pete's words didn't represent only himself anymore, they reflected on the country that sent him. You're an ambassador, too. 2 Corinthians 5:20 NLT So we are Christ's ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. An ambassador doesn't only ask, "Do I have the right to say this?" An ambassador asks, "Does this accurately represent the one who sent me?" Ask is it true? Because you represent the Truth. Ask is it loving? Because you represent the God who is love. Ask is it wise? Because God is making His appeal to the world through you. Your name may be on the social media account, but His name is on you. Let's represent Him well. Are you representing Jesus accurately online?
