Following Christ in a Social Media World

Ron Swanson goes on the internet https://youtu.be/ABY3GLf7wU4

2 Guiding Principles Matthew 10:16 “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves.”

2 Guiding Principles Be Vigilant to Remain Innocent Wisely Use the Internet for Good

How should I use social media? Limit the amount All social media is addictive by design!

How should I use social media? Limit the amount 1 Corinthians 6:12 All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything.

How should I use social media? Limit the amount Practice Sabbath from electronics Ban devices from meals Schedule off-hours Set up restricted spaces

How should I use social media? Limit the amount Assume EVERYONE will see EVERYTHING Consider the CONTENT

How should I use social media? Ephesians 4:29 Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.

How should I use social media? Limit the amount Assume EVERYONE will see EVERYTHING Consider the CONTENT If I wouldn’t say it face-to-face, I won’t say it online. Period. @hiphopaugustine

How should I use social media? Limit the amount Assume EVERYONE will see EVERYTHING Consider the CONTENT Consider your MOTIVES Consider the CONSEQUENCES SLOW IT DOWN… pause before posting

How should I help my kids? TRAIN them Teach them the principles we just covered Discuss internet safety Discuss porn Discuss online bullying

How should I help my kids? TRAIN them Set BOUNDARIES Smartphones are not a RIGHT, they are a RESPONSIBILITY.

How should I help my kids? TRAIN them Set BOUNDARIES Provide OVERSIGHT Good news: Your child actually wants your help! Keep this conversation going

Resources Nancy Jo Sales, “American Girls: Social Media and the Secret Lives of Teenagers” Nicholas Carr, “The Shallows: What the Internet Is Doing to Our Brains” Andy Crouch, The Tech-Wise Family