Social media has become a big part of our lives nowadays. But before this, life was so simple. Everyone seemed to always be looking forward to seeing each other to bond and talk. Privacy was highly regarded that no one would knew where you had your vacation last summer or the fancy restaurant you had been to. Time was spent more properly and productively because there was no temptation of browsing and scrolling yours and other people’s accounts for minutes and even hours. Dinner with family, friends, and even colleagues was more enjoyable and personal because everyone had the chance to speak freely, without being preoccupied with using cell phones to know the latest trends or post.
Time has changed, so did the way of life. We are now in a fast-paced environment where everything needs to be an instant. And, social media has gained its popularity because of its benefit from instant information, communication, and connection. Sometimes, it even brings inspiration and laughter to us. Many have become lured in using it. We may agree that it is indeed beneficial to people, especially its capability to connect you with your friends and relatives who are miles and miles apart. Knowing their whereabouts is now easier with just one click of the send button.
On the contrary, it also brings negative outcome. It has made its way to distract people with so many things. If you noticed, constant bragging of oneself is very rampant. Vanity already becomes a norm in the world of social media. This gives us a doubtful mind for whether what we see is true or not. Private matters and affairs can now be known freely, and secret diaries have been flaunting in the open for people to see. People think that this is okay, anyway.
How can we bring honor and glory to God then, if this becomes the usual that even Christians have the tendency to misuse it and becomes a pitfall for the set apart life that the Lord has paved for us? Though, we know that even in social media, the desire to honor God is there, we cannot stay away from temptations that lead the other way. That is why it is very important to always remind ourselves of the good motive that we must have when using social media platforms. The bible says that whether we eat or drink or whatsoever we do, we do it for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). By mentioning this, we may conclude that eating and drinking are too simple to do but there is still a possibility to dishonor God, then our social media activities must be in constant check to whether we are bringing glory to ourselves or Him.
When we read other people’s posts, how much good thoughts do we get? Are we inspired to see their messages, or it only brings burden to us? In like manner, when others see our posts and activities, are they encouraged and be inspired for what we share? Social media, like what I mentioned, is beneficial. However, if we don’t allow the Holy Spirit to control us in this area, we would fall into the temptation to do whatever we want to share or post. This could lead to useless sharing of our negative opinions against people or things, drawing attention to ourselves through our pictures, milestones, whereabouts, and so on, and the satisfying moments it brings when we complain and grumble, so people could comfort us (sincerely sometimes). The worst part, we may participate in social media gossiping if we are not careful enough. Ephesians 4:26 says “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace to the hearers.” We, as Christians must be the pioneer of edification and encouragement to the lost. Our words and thoughts should be a reflection of the God that we believed in. Like what John said, we must also decrease that He must increase (John 3:30).
Therefore, we can still be using these platforms to bring honor and glory to the Lord by doing something that would make a difference.
Spread the Gospel and Other Biblical Matters
When we use social media to share Jesus, then it becomes beneficial to us and to the people around us. Think of this, how many friends do you have? And how many of those friends are not yet saved? Do you desire to share with them but don’t know where to start? You may begin to share the Gospel through your post. You will never know how the Lord would speak to that person who has read your post.
Another thing that we can do is to encourage people by posting a daily verse. Many people are already browsing their social media even upon waking up. We’ll never know who would be encouraged by what we post, but for sure, based on experience, there is always someone who would come across your post and be motivated.
We may also share other encouraging and good information that we read such as blogs, biblical sermons, biographies of great Christians, Christian movies or books, and even our own reflections. We must make it real, though.
Reach out and Minister to People
Social media is the fastest way to get through people. Just one personal message or chat, we can already be connected. If you are like me, then you might probably be easier to be contacted thru Facebook more than phone. Others would also be like this. Take time to maximize these free tools to get to know our friends and brethren’s day. A true friend would care to ask how you are doing despite that you don’t get to meet in person. And, being concerned of their lives is a means to minister to them. Ask them about their prayer requests and pray for them. I am not really someone who always chat and send private messages to people. But like what my best friend and sister do most of the time, I am inspired to use social media to let others know that I am thinking of them. I hope that we must, despite the busyness of life, remember our friends and brethren all thought out the week.
Promote Jesus, not Ourselves
In social media, it is so easy to be drawn to follow our fleshly cravings for attention. Many of us post things to promote ourselves – waiting for how many views and likes we may get for our satisfaction. There is nothing wrong with posting, the thing is, how many posts do we have about ourselves as compared to shares about biblical matters?
If this social media has already taken a grip on us, it is better to take it out. If we think that we are making others stumble in the faith, then it is better to have nothing to do with it.
In the end, we use social media, so we can create an impact for Christ. Again, I am not against social media. In fact, I view it as a great tool to reach people and an avenue to showcase the Lord’s marvelous doing in our lives. Don’t just post about yourselves. Have the motive to draw others to Christ.
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