The Christian and Social Media 

by David Maxson

Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Proverbs 17:27

Like it or not, social media is here to stay.

While we shouldn't overreact to the dangers of this new media, we must not ignore them either. There needs to be more discussion about social media. I found online some good rules that I wanted to share:

Be careful before you hit send (James 1:19-20; Proverbs 10:19; 15:2; 21:23). Could your message be taken the wrong way? Does this need to be kept private? Will it needlessly offend someone?

Don't vent anger (James 1:19-20; Ephesians 4:26-27; Proverbs 14:29; 29:11). Don't air family problems or church issues online. If you're angry at someone, go speak to them personally. The rest of us don't need to know.

Never lie (Ephesians 4:25; Colossians 3:9-10; Revelation 21:8). And embellishment is the same as lying.

Don't glorify self (Matthew 6:5, 7, 16; Proverbs 25:27; 26:12). Hide the good you do. Advertise what is done for you. Give glory to God instead.

Watch out for ungodly influences (1 Corinthians 15:33; 2 Timothy 2:16-18; 2 Peter 2:18-20). Beware of worldly ideas, false teaching, filthy language, dirty jokes, and gossip.

Don't let this become an addiction (1 Corinthians 6:12). It can easily take over your life if you're not careful.

Protect your marriage (Proverbs 7:5-27). The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers says 81 percent of its members have used or faced evidence plucked from social networking sites in the past five years.

Use social networking to God's glory (Mark 16:15; Ephesians 4:29; Colossians 4:6; Matthew 5:14-16). There are so many positive ways we can use this new media. Let's use it to advance God's cause, not the Devil's.

Father, protect us from the evils of social media. May you be glorified in every email, tweet, and facebook comment we post this day.

 

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