Social media and networking platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest have become incredibly popular ways for people to connect, share information, and express themselves. As Christians, how should we think about using these tools? What does the Bible say that might guide our use of social media?
There are no explicit verses in the Bible about social media since these platforms did not exist at the time. However, there are many biblical principles that can help Christians wisely discern how to use social media and think through potential benefits and pitfalls.
The potential benefits of social media for Christians
There are many potential positives that social media offers to Christians:
- Connecting with other believers – Social media provides opportunities to connect with Christians locally and globally to encourage one another in the faith (Hebrews 10:24-25).
- Sharing the gospel – Platforms can be used to share the message of Christ and biblical truth (Matthew 28:19-20).
- Joining important conversations – Christians can share biblical perspectives on cultural issues and current events.
- Building relationships – Social tools allow users to strengthen relationships with family, friends, and acquaintances.
- Creating Christian community – Believers can find and engage with those who share common interests and beliefs.
- Participating in advocacy – Social causes that align with Christian values can be promoted and supported.
- Developing skills – Skills like communicating, creating content, connecting with an audience can be developed.
When used thoughtfully and properly, social media has many positive uses for Christians from sharing the gospel to offering encouragement in the faith.
Potential dangers of social media for Christians
However, there are also many potential dangers and downsides to social media that Christians should be aware of:
- Time wasting and distraction – Social media can easily become addictive and dominate our time and attention (Ephesians 5:15-17).
- Pride and envy – Platforms can stir up selfish pride in us and envy of others (Galatians 5:26).
- Controversy and arguments – It’s easy to get dragged into heated arguments online (2 Timothy 2:23-26).
- Deception and fakery – It’s tempting to present an artificial version of yourself and your life online.
- Loneliness and dissatisfaction – Constant comparisons to others online can make people feel more lonely and dissatisfied.
- Inappropriate content – There is a lot of ungodly and unedifying content shared online (Philippians 4:8).
- Idolatry of approval – The desire for more likes and followers can become idolatrous (1 John 2:15-17).
- Unhealthy relationships – Platforms can facilitate emotional and romantic entanglements outside of marriage.
While social media offers many benefits, Christians need to be intentional about avoiding its potential pitfalls which can be spiritually damaging if misused.
Biblical principles for using social media wisely
So how should Christians engage social media in a wise, God-honoring way? Here are some key biblical principles to follow:
1. Love God and love others
The two greatest commandments should guide all we do, including online. Love for God means representing Him well and not misusing His name (Exodus 20:7). Love for others requires treating all people with dignity (Matthew 22:39).
2. Speak with grace and truth
Following Jesus’ example, share truth gently, kindly and humbly (Ephesians 4:15). Seek to build others up, not tear them down (Ephesians 4:29).
3. Be Kingdom-minded
Be intentional about advancing God’s Kingdom rather than your own interests or arguments (Matthew 6:33). Make your focus connecting people to Christ.
4. Exercise self-control
Post with patience, carefulness and self-control. Don’t react in anger or engage without forethought (Proverbs 12:18, James 1:19).
5. Guard your time and health
If social media becomes compulsive, take a temporary break. Protect time for rest, face-to-face relationships, and spiritual disciplines.
6. Maintain privacy and safety
Be wise about protecting yourself and your family online. Maintain appropriate privacy settings and be cautious about what personal details you share.
7. Consider your witness
Remember unbelievers are watching how you conduct yourself online. Represent Christ well (1 Peter 2:11-12).
8. Reflect Christlike virtue
Model Christian virtues like integrity, purity, humility, and patience online (Philippians 4:8, Colossians 3:12-14).
9. Avoid questionable content
Refrain from viewing or sharing inappropriate, unwholesome content. Limit intake of content that fuels envy or controversy (Romans 13:14).
10. Prioritize face-to-face community
Don’t let online interactions become a substitute for real relationships and biblical community (Hebrews 10:24-25).
With these biblical principles in mind, Christians can glorify God and serve others well through social media while avoiding potential harms. Though not without pitfalls, social networking tools offer incredible potential for gospel ministry when used properly.
Addressing objections and key considerations
Some Christians may argue against all social media use, while others see no issues. But there are good faith arguments on both sides that require thoughtful consideration.
Isn’t all social media evil and dangerous?
While potential dangers exist, the platforms themselves are neutral tools that can be used for good or ill. With wise boundaries, cautions and intent, social media can be beneficial for Christians.
Shouldn’t we just avoid it completely?
Total avoidance may be wise for some, butresponsible use can be worthwhile for many believers. Set healthy limits, but use with discernment.
Aren’t there better uses of our time?
Absolutely, which is why it’s crucial to moderate time online. But connecting with others and engaging culture matter too. Seek balance between the virtual and real world.
Is social media destroying real relationships and community?
Excessive use can be unhealthy and isolating. But it can also enhance relationships when used to meaningfully connect offline. Let it supplement, not replace, in-person interactions.
Shouldn’t we just be preaching the Bible online?
While sharing God’s Word matters greatly, displaying Christlike character, engaging culture, and building relationships also have value online.
There are reasonable arguments on all sides. Seek wisdom from Scripture, counsel from mature believers, and the Spirit’s guidance for your personal approach.
Developing God-honoring practices and habits
More than just avoiding pitfalls, Christians can proactively develop habits and practices that enable them to use social media wisely and for spiritual benefit:
- Set specific limits on time spent online to prevent distraction and obsession.
- Use online fasting periods to regularly disengage and refocus.
- Prioritize in-person fellowship with other Christians for encouragement and accountability.
- Fill your feed and groups with content that uplifts others and points to biblical truth.
- Look for opportunities to meaningfully engage non-Christians and share the gospel.
- Develop the habit of praying before you post – for wisdom, clarity, kindness, truth.
- Study Scripture daily to renew your mind and develop discernment (Psalm 119:9-11, Romans 12:2).
- Memorize key verses about speech, wisdom, self-control, and loving others.
- Regularly do a social media inventory – evaluate what adds value and what doesn’t.
Intentional habits rooted in God’s Word help us gain maximum spiritual benefit from social media while avoiding its harms.
Guiding those under your influence
For Christian parents, teachers, pastors and other influencers, model and teach biblical principles about social media use. Some suggestions:
- Model wise use in your own habits and demonstrate its benefits.
- Discuss potential dangers and establish age-appropriate guidelines for children.
- Teach discernment rather than forbid all use which often backfires when older.
- Encourage positive and uplifting use that builds others up.
- Remind youth that their identity is in Christ, not online persona or popularity.
- Affirm biblical virtues like modesty and self-control that guide online conduct.
- Facilitate real community offline and online to meet relational needs.
- Welcome questions and conversations; make it relational, not just rules.
With shepherding and instruction, the next generation can develop Christ-centered social media habits.
Conclusion
Social media and networking tools are part of the landscape of modern life, offering potential benefits along with real hazards. As Christians guided by biblical principles, we can both use social platforms wisely, and guide the next generation into God-honoring habits online. With the mind of Christ, the Spirit’s wisdom and careful self-control, we can gain the positives of social media for gospel ministry while avoiding its pitfalls for the glory of God.
