2019 Theme Lights in a Dark World Philippians 2:15

The Christian and Social Media (2) Lights in every area

What is it? Creating social interaction through electronic means, primarily the internet. Communicating with friends and acquaintances, in many cases involving groups greater than our friends. Social Media

There are nearly 2.5 billion users on Facebook (one platform) It is here to stay! There are nearly 2.5 billion users on Facebook (one platform) At a communities summit in 2017, Mark Zuckerberg (founder of Facebook) compared Facebook to a local church or a little league team. His point was that Facebook serves a community purpose to help people socialize and bring them together. Is it treated as an alternative? Social Media

It is morally neutral We addressed many problems associated with social media - Disseminate bad information - Affecting mental health - What you post is permanent - It can expose the real you - - It inflates ego - It can waste time - It can be addictive Social Media

Choose your friends carefully Do they encourage you to do bad things (cf. Proverbs 1:10-19) Do they build you up spiritually? Ephesians 5:11, 1 Corinthians 15:33 Who is in your circle of friends? Who do you interact with more and why? Rules for Social Media

What are you showing is your priority? Is politics your god? Sports? Your “constitutional rights”? Your hobby? Or do they see God as first? Matthew 6:33, Galatians 6:14, 2:20 Rules for Social Media

Does our interaction show effort to build up God’s people? Defending brethren who post godly thoughts Posting godly thoughts Encouraging our brethren? Rules for Social Media

Will it promote unity or cause unnecessary division? Social media can be a source of great conflict between brethren. This is true with POLITICAL positions, moral issues and doctrinal issues 1 Corinthians 1:10, Ephesians 4:1-3 Rules for Social Media

Does it show love for one another, God, and our enemies? All that we do is to be with love 1 Corinthians 16:14 Matthew 5:44-45, 22:37-39 1 John 3:18 – in deed and truth Rules for Social Media

Does it promote healthy and excellent thinking? The types of things we ought to be thinking about Philippians 4:8 Is it kind, or does it tear down? 1 Corinthians 13:4 Rules for Social Media

Does it show godly wisdom? Or foolishness? James 3:17 Is our humor in good taste? ALWAYS? Are we seeking to belittle and insult others? Even those we disagree with? Rules for Social Media

If dealing with something sinful, is a godly solution presented? Paul continually gave solutions – for sexual immorality – 1 Corinthians 5:1-8 hypocrisy – Galatians 2:11ff In dealing with our brethren, do we consider the PRIVATE message? Matthew 18:15 Rules for Social Media

Is it completely truthful We MUST be truthful – Revelation 21:8, Ephesians 4:25, etc. Lies come in various forms. Have we VERIFIED what we share and post? Do we investigate? Consider this doctrinally as well Rules for Social Media

Related to truthfulness, AND PURITY. Where do links lead? Related to truthfulness, AND PURITY. Often links take one to a site that filled with filth, profanity and ungodliness Cf. 1 Timothy 5:22 Rules for Social Media

Am I addicted to social media? Is it something I can do without? Is it something that affects my moods, etc.? 1 Corinthians 6:12 Rules for Social Media

Is it a waste of my time? Some people are consumed with it and spend more time there than doing productive work Ephesians 5:16 Rules for Social Media

Am I promoting sinful activity? What am I wearing? Where am I going? What am I doing? Where am I on Sundays and Wednesday nights? Ephesians 5:16 Consider sinful language – Ephesians 4:29, Matthew 15:18-19 Rules for Social Media

Diplomatic and gracious – Colossians 4:6 What is my attitude? Bitter, envious, constantly complaining, negative, etc. 2 Corinthians 12:20, James 3:13-16, Ephesians 4:31 OR is it encouraging Diplomatic and gracious – Colossians 4:6 Rules for Social Media

Am I seeking to draw people to God? We have opportunities for good! 2 Corinthians 5:11, 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 OR, am I seeking to draw more attention to myself? Philippians 2:3-4 Rules for Social Media

Using Social Media for Good Take a break from it. Can you? 1 Corinthians 6:12, 10:23 Let your light shine - Philippians 2:15, Matthew 5:13-16 Rules for Social Media

Using Social Media for Good Use it to reach others! Statistics show it one of the most effective ways to reach your community. Use it to encourage – when you say you are praying for someone, mean it. Give genuine encouragement and rejoicing. Rules for Social Media

What does your online activity say about you?