The Christian Social Media The Christian the World

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)