Do you remember the time before the flood of social media? Times may have been a bit simpler and much less cluttered. It seems that today many are glued to their computers, phones and tablets—tweeting, posting and tagging anything and everything under the sun. Social media has flooded our world! It keeps people informed, inspired and in tune to the world around them. Almost everyone is involved in social media of some type. While social media, like any other tool, is neither bad nor good in and of itself, it depends on how social media is used as to whether it is positive or negative. Let’s examine some of both good and bad of social media.
Pitfalls of Social Media
There are certainly many spiritual dangers to avoid when involved in social media. Gossip is a real pitfall for those involved in social media. Unfortunately, some confuse the clothesline for Facebook and “air their dirty laundry” and the laundry of others as well. Social media is somewhat of a breeding ground for things that are really none of our business. “A forward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends” (Proverbs 16:28). “Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles” (Proverbs 21:23). How true are these passages especially in relation to in what some involve themselves through social media? Remember, not everything you see on your social media feeds are things to which you should respond or with which you ought to become involved (cf., Matthew 7:12).
Closely akin to Gossip is spreading strife among brethren, which is a real danger in social media. Something happens in a local congregation that is negative, and before worship begins across the world, some brethren have spread it and often propagated only half the story! God despises discord among brethren (Proverbs 6:16-19). How do you suppose God feels about the spreader of such conflict? “He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth chief friends” (Proverbs 17:9; cf., James 4:11).
Brawling is another danger of social media. When we think of “brawling,” we usually think of people fighting with their fists. However, often social media has become the ring for verbal brawls. Paul reminded Titus of the unprofitable nature of empty arguing and foolish controversies (Titus 3:9-11).
Wasting precious time is another pitfall of social media. God’s children are called to make the most of their time rather than to squander it (Ephesians 5:16). Sadly, there are Christians, by their own admission, who spend the majority of their days on social media. I wonder how God views that in light of all we could be doing which is more profitable?
Benefits of Social Media
Like many things, social media, when used properly, can profit Christians in a great way. Evangelism is a benefit of social media. Be careful with this one, however, because some will only post a spiritual thought and believe they have carried out the Great Commission. Yet, the Worldwide Web and social media outlets do aid us in “discipling the nations” (Matthew 28:18-20). Be forewarned, though, that social media is not the place to debate Bible teachings; too much harm can come as a result of “arguing” a biblical truth. Nothing will ever replace “face to face” evangelism!
Encouragement is another benefit of social media. Everyone needs positive, spiritual thoughts and words (Hebrews 3:13; 10:23-25). Are your posts, tweets and tags positive and edifying? How do others view your activity on social media?
Power of Social Media
With one click of a button, one can help or hinder a person miles away—even on another continent! There is so much good in social media, and there is so much bad. It really depends upon the one who is using it. The power lies within your fingers and keyboard. The main aim of social media is to express oneself. What an opportunity to flavor and light this sinful world (Matthew 5:13-16)! However, social media also provides an opportunity to bring shame upon oneself and the church for which Jesus died. Shame or glory is found within a simple stroke of a key; that is power!
Serious questions to ask oneself in the realm of social media are these: “If Jesus were on social media, would He ‘like’ the post I just put up? Would He ‘follow’ me on twitter and ‘friend me’ on Facebook?” Make sure that in all you do, even in the realm of social media, is to the glory of God. “Whether therefore ye eat or drink or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).
