The Scriptures have plenty to say about how we ought to engage as Christians in the public square even though the Bible was written centuries before the invention of the internet, cell phones, and Twitter. They are, after all, useful to teach us how to become equipped for Christian living (2 Tim. 3:16-17). Much of what Peter, Paul, and James wrote to the first-century Church could be valid for the Christians who are on Facebook today as it has been useful for the Christians in their social interactions then.
As we have to be responsible persons our behaviour on social media has to be neat. There shouldn’t be any distinction between the character of your online personality and your in-person character.
- Don’t Quarrel
It is important that you do not quarrel with others on your social media pages. However, did you know that the Bible commands Christians to avoid stirring up controversy?
Titus 3:1-2: “Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.”
- Don’t be Impulsive
James 1:19-21: “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.”
When you want to share something to your best friend’s wife take time to cross check your content before you post it on the social media. Do it regularly and post something after ensuring that he/she would okay it.
- Respect Others
Second Timothy 2:23-25 says, “Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness.”
We may sometimes think, “But Christians are to be bold and courageous! Jesus flipped the tables in the temple!” Okay; but Christians are also to be kind, patient, gentle, and respectful! Right?
You cannot sacrifice kindness and gentleness on the altar of boldness; the Scriptures do not allow such hermeneutical leaps.
Christians, be respectful and be gentle. Always! We are meant to be an example of honor among the watching world, so that, “they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation” (1 Pet. 2:12). (See also 1 Tim. 4:12; Titus 3:2; James 4:11).
- Don’t Gossip
As much as the Bible teaches on avoiding quarrels, so the Scriptures instruct us to avoid gossip, rumors and slander. In fact, we are told to, “not to associate with a simple babbler” (Prov. 20:19)
2 Tim. 2:16: “But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness.”
1 Tim. 4:7: “Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness.”
James 1:26: “If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.”
- Don’t Seek Attention
Ephesians 4:29: “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11: “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”
Romans 14:19: “So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual up-building.”
Social media could become an addiction, and we need to be watchful. As it is not something evil in itself there is nothing wrong in using it in an effective and healthy way.
The best thing would be that we put off our phone, open the scriptures, and preach to the needy hearts the truths of the Gospel, instead.
In 2 Corinthians 5, Paul tells us that out of fear of God (vs. 11) we seek to persuade others out of love (vs. 14), to be reconciled to God (vs. 19), as ambassadors of Christ to this world (vs. 20), with a ministry of reconciliation!
Social media can give you nothing that is better than the Gospel itself!
Jesus has warned us, ‘if something is causing you to sin, get rid of it’ (Matt. 5:29).
You can gain all the followers, all the attention, all the controversy, and yet ultimately they may bring shame and disrepute to Christ.