Social Media Guidelines For The Christian
The rise of social media has created a platform where nearly anyone with an internet connection can become a star, influencer, or viral sensation. While there are many possible ways to use social media for Christian influence, many Christians are unprepared for the spiritual battle facing them when they log-on to social media platforms. Rather than approaching with full spiritual armor, many let their guard down and the adversary takes full advantage. Describing social media as spiritual warfare will seem outlandish to many, but I offer seven reasons why social media is exactly that. As we move through these reasons, I would ask you to consider these questions: Why am I logging onto this app, website, or news feed? Am I honoring God while I am on social media?
Reason #1: Idolatry
When discussing idolatry, most of us would think of the Israelites and the golden calf, or the Greeks with their numerous gods and temples, or maybe some other man-made statue or image. The point being that we tend to think of idolatry only being something involving physical idols. However, an idol is anything that takes the rightful place of the Lord God on the throne of our heart. Put differently, money, sex, fame, time, our spouse, our kids, food, exercise, our “brand,” well, you get the picture. Anything can become an idol when it becomes more important than Lord God. The devil is masterful at twisting the good gifts of God (i.e., our job, sex, food, family, etc.) and urging us to take a shortcut to get those things ourselves rather than waiting on God to provide for us. At its very core, idolatry is the notion that something besides God will fulfill and satisfy our needs and desires. Our social media streams overflow with this idea. We must approach our use of social media in full spiritual armor, with the understanding that only God can truly fulfill and satisfy. As David says in Psalm 34, “Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!” I urge you to taste of the Lord today rather than seeking fulfillment in the likes and followers of your social media.
Reason #2: Idleness
Unless you have lived under a rock for the last several years, you know that social media lends itself to idleness. Most platforms use algorithms that continually put personally relevant posts in your news feed to keep you engaged. Unfortunately, this also prevents you from using your time effectively. The Thessalonians had a similar problem, although for different reasons. In 2 Thessalonians chapter three, Paul addresses the issue of idleness and is especially direct in verses seven through eleven. He says, “If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies.” This is not a new problem facing the believer! People dealt with the issue of idleness long before the smartphone. You might ask: “What’s the problem with relaxing and scrolling through my feed?” McLean hospital has an article that discusses some of the problems that arise from social media, namely depression and anxiety.[1] Additionally, for Christians, it is problematic when our time on social media is prioritized over our time in God’s Word. How much more time would you be able to spend in prayer for others, in Bible study, and in conversation with people about the impact of the Gospel on your life? Social media may give you fifteen seconds of fame, but the Gospel has the power to change lives for eternity.
Reason #3: The “I” Factor
Perhaps nothing quite captures the heart of social media like the selfie. And at the heart of the selfie is self, or the “I” factor. It is the glorification of self above all else. This is directly at odds with God’s command for the Christian, as Jesus calls us to deny ourselves, pick up our cross, and follow Him.[2] The self-glorification of social media lends itself strongly to the message that all we need in order to be happy is to follow our hearts. Especially during the beginning of the year, one can find any number of positive thought messages floating around their news feed. The Bible tells us a different story, that the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick.[3] Jesus said that all sorts of wickedness and evil arises out of our hearts. Indeed, overcoming the “I” factor is not about what we can do but about what Christ already did. Paul writes of this much in his letters. As Christians, we have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer we who live, but Christ who lives in us. And the life we now live in the flesh we live by faith in the Son of God, who loved us and gave himself for us.[4] Additionally, we are to “…put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.”[5] If you are not getting the picture yet, let me make it clear: It is not about you! Christians are redeemed to give glory and honor to God, not to promote ourselves and our actions. Is that the message your social media profile sends to the world? If not, spend some time in prayer and ask God to help you evaluate your heart and motives.
Reason #4: Isolation
One of the great ironies of social media is that it was initially portrayed as a way to bring people together but it has quickly become a study in isolationism. While social media helps us connect across space and time, it can easily become another mask that we put on for the world. The myriad of filters, touch-ups, and effects covers our perceived flaws and presents the image that we want people to see. In presenting our very best side to people through social media, we create isolation from others. The doubts begin to creep in…do people like me for me or for the person I am portraying on my feed…and the mask stays on longer and longer. We become trapped in the online “reality” at the expense of personal relationships. The freedom of social media instead becomes the prison in which we are stuck; isolation rather than connection reigns. The path to isolation occurs gradually. First, missing regular activities, like church service, one or two weeks in a row, then taking longer to respond to texts and calls, withdrawing from personal relationships, and eventually avoiding as much unwanted contact as possible. But this runs contrary to the Bible. Christians are not called to be lone rangers. Instead, we are urged to gather together, to encourage one another[6], and to bear each other’s burdens.[7] If you find yourself on the path towards isolation, reach out to a trusted brother or sister in Christ who will walk with you in times of personal difficulty.
Reason #5: Hidden Messages
I am not talking about the fictional hidden messages of National Treasure or The DaVinci Code, but rather the constant stream of information we unknowingly process in our use of social media. The more we are exposed to an idea, the more correct we believe that idea to be. Consistent exposure to thoughts and ideas leads to tacit approval. We become desensitized to the seriousness of the situation and begin to accept it as “the norm.” While this is not in and of itself a bad thing, as Christians we must remember that the morals, values, and norms of the world are at odds with the morals, values, and norms of God’s kingdom. We are called to be in the world but not of the world, which means we must be aware of when, instead of God’s Word, the world is influencing our beliefs. This ties closely to our relationship with others and the effects of isolation on our Christian walk. It is vital that we have Christian brothers and sisters in our lives who will kindly correct us when we begin to stray. It is also vital to study and know that Word of God intimately. Without knowledge and understanding of God’s Word, we are entering spiritual battle unarmed. Deception is a potentially devastating weapon of the enemy, but the truth of God’s Word provides a firm foundation to stand against the schemes of the devil. I encourage you to study the Word, to compare the wisdom of the world to the truth of Scripture, and to guard your heart above all else.[8]
Reason #6: Covetousness
While your parents and grandparents may have tried to keep up with the Joneses, you may find yourself attempting to keep up with the Kardashians, or many other celebrity “reality” stars. Social media adds fuel to the fire of covetousness. No longer do we have to depend on the paparazzi to know about the lives of the rich and famous. Simply follow them on social media and you can be inundated with all the details (appropriately filtered, of course!) Whether you struggle with covetousness or not, you need to approach your social media with an appropriate heart and mind. That begins with focusing on what God has provided for you. Philippians chapter four provides excellent instruction for keeping God first and foremost. Rejoice in the Lord always, give thanks, rest in the peace of Christ, and meditate on what is true, honorable, just, lovely, and pure.[9] As we do this, God will change our heart’s desires so that like Paul, we too can say that all is a loss and rubbish apart from Christ.[10]
Reason #7: Lust
A children’s song comes to mind: “Be careful little eyes what you see, be careful little eyes what you see; for the Father up above is looking down in love so be careful little eyes what you see.” Some social media platforms provide a ready-made avenue for lust, but even seemingly innocuous posts can cause us to stumble. One would be hard-pressed to spend five minutes on most social media platforms without encountering someone dressed (or undressed) provocatively. Before we begin blaming others, remember that lust is a condition of our heart. As such, the cure is not found in simply avoiding all possible images that could trigger lust. Instead, we need to prioritize time with the Lord and trust in Him to change our heart and root out our sinful desires. At the same time, we must each be aware of our own susceptibility to the danger that social media poses and take care not to purposefully place ourselves in temptation. John tells us that we are not to love the things of the world; the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life.[11]
The rise of social media presents many challenges to the Christian and their walk with the Lord. It also offers a large platform in which to share the Gospel. Christians using these platforms need to be prepared mentally and spiritually to face the inherent dangers of social media. We are not to be conformed to this world but are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. I hope that your focus will be on the Lord and His righteousness as you engage the culture through social media.
References
[1] https://www.mcleanhospital.org/essential/it-or-not-social-medias-affecting-your-mental-health
[2] Matthew 16:24, Mark 8:34, Luke 9:23
[3] Jeremiah 17:9
[4] Galatians 2:20
[5] Romans 13:14
[6] Hebrews 10:25
[7] Galatians 6:2
[8] Proverbs 4:23
[9] Philippians 4:6-8
[10] Philippians 3:7-8
[11] 1 John 2:15-17
