The Christian & Social Media

The Christian & the World John 17:14-16 Positive: we are not to be taken “from the world” – influence Negative: we are “not of the world” – no fellowship

The Christian & the World Christians are now connected more than ever to the outside world via technology; like any tool, it can be used for good or evil I am not singling out social media; it is not sinful for Christians to engage in social media; but it has its dangers (Rom. 13:11; Eph. 5:15) Consider this: “WWJP” (what would Jesus post)?

The Christian & Social Media Some Christians are using social media in a good way: advertise gospel meetings, church web sites, encourage others, prayer requests, teach Bible lessons, post scriptures, etc. Some Christians, however, are using social media in a way that is ungodly; with inappropriate comments, pictures, etc. We should not overreact to social media, nor should we ignore its dangers

The Christian & Social Media Typing improper words is no better than saying improper words … WWJP? – Curse words … “OMG” (Ex. 20:7; Eph. 4:29) – Disrespectful language (1 Pet. 2:17) – Gossip, slander ( 2 Cor. 12:20)

The Christian & Social Media Posting pictures of immodest clothing … WWJP? – Nakedness (Ex. 20:26; 28:42; Nah. 3:5) – Lascivious (Gal. 5:19-21)

The Christian & Social Media Consider the lasting effects of what you have posted … WWJP? – You can’t take it back after it is posted – Will it hinder my influence down the road? – Will my posts give reason for concern among the elders (Heb. 13:17) – It will come up in the judgment day (Mt. 12:46)

The Christian & Social Media Studies of social media use show the following: Divorce caused by unwholesome relationships Possibility of addiction Trouble having real-life relationships Tendency toward narcissism (love of self)

The Christian & Social Media Am I seeking to glorify God through social media (Isa. 43:7; 1 Cor. 10:31)? Does social media lead me into sin (Mt. 5:29-30)? Does my speech (typing) build up or tear down (Psa. 19:14; Jas. 3:10)? Do people see the salt and light of Christ in what I post (Mt. 5:16)?

The Christian & Social Media Am I a slave to the master of social media (1 Cor. 6:12)? Does social media help redeem the time that God has given me (Eph. 5:16)? Does social media help me to renew my mind in God’s truth (Rom. 12:1-2)?

The Christian & Social Media Do I use social media as a platform to complain or tear down (Phil. 2:14-15)? Do I use social media for unprofitable arguments (Prov. 18:2; 1 Tim. 6:4)? Does social media draw me closer to God (Mt. 22:38; Jas. 4:7-8)?

The Christian & Social Media Do I value social media interactions more than real-life relationships (Mt. 22:39)? Do I have any relationships through social media that I need to cut off (1 Cor. 15:33)? Does social media make me discontent (1 Tim. 6:6)?

The Christian & Social Media Do I use social media to boost my ego, feel good about myself, promote my vanity and pride (2 Tim. 3:2)? Do I use social media to hide (Prov. 25:14; Jas. 4:6,10)?

The Christian & Social Media Pray before you post … WWJP? Remember who is watching you (Prov. 15:3) Guard every aspect of your life (Prov. 4:23-27)