The statisticians tell us that American young people are now spending an average of 2 to 4 hours each day on social media. Is this a good thing? Probably not, when you compare it to the number of hours these same studies tell us are being spent by youth in Bible study: 1 per week.
Social media has tremendous potential for good. But, unfortunately, the misuse of Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and similar venues is a serious counterweight to any good that is being done. The Christian response to social media needs to be balanced and thoughtful. If you elect to participate, you need to know the risks, the rules of the road, and the pitfalls to avoid. Today’s sermon, “The Christian and Social Media: Some Do’s and Don’ts for our Facebook Age,” is a revision of a sermon I preached 2-1/2 years ago, which is being brought back by special request of our elders.
Along with the material I will be presenting, here are five helpful tips, adapted from an article by Lachlan Anderson entitled, “Five Social Media Guidelines for Christian Teens” to help make sure your use of social media is constructive, rather than destructive:
“1. Don’t use it as your main way of socializing. One of the many advantages of the internet is the ability to communicate over huge distances and maintain friendships that would otherwise have suffered. But what about interacting with those who live close by? We are created as relational beings, and there is no substitute for face-to-face interaction. We should be showing our love for our brothers and sisters [and family] with our time and by being with them.
2. Be yourself. Sites like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram present us with the opportunity to show ourselves as we are: our interests, the things we did on the weekend etc. However it’s so easy to create a version of yourself that suits the wider public appeal, to fit in. As Christians.., we are called to glorify Him with all that we ARE, not with whatever it is cool to be.
3. Think before you post. If we are to glorify God through our use of social media, we need to be actively thinking of how we are portraying our faith through our actions…Ask two simple questions: Is it loving? And does it further or hinder the gospel? These can be applied to all of life.., but in this case we as Christians really need to THINK before we post a status update, photo or comment. Are your Tweets using loving, godly language? Are your Facebook posts and photos constantly centered on you (bragging, selfies etc.)? Are your photos modest in their depiction of your body? This doesn’t mean that every post needs to be a Bible verse or a deep and meaningful reflection. [But] each post should reflect God’s love for us..
4. Think before you like/follow. Much the same as what we post, the things we like or the people/pages we follow on social networking sites reveal our attitudes and convictions to those around us. Again, ask yourself: Is it loving? And does it further or hinder the gospel? Liking photos of girls or guys half naked on Instagram does not reflect God’s attitude [about] beauty. He is concerned with inner beauty (1 Peter 3). Unloving jokes or bullying comments also don’t reflect what God has done for us..
5. Be positive. Social Media should never be a place to grumble or complain. The Apostle Paul says that we should “do everything without complaining or arguing” (Philippians 2:14), and Jesus himself exhorts us to show God’s love in our sinful world so that people might know we are his disciples (John 13:34-36). Keep it positive and loving, people will notice your outlook and see the effects of God’s grace in your life. If you need to vent because of a hard day, talk to a close friend about it in person. As Proverbs says: “a friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity” (Proverbs 17:17).”
A Good Use of Facebook Here is a suggestion for using Facebook in a good way. If you go to the church Facebook page, you will find announcements of our major upcoming events. For example, there is an announcement about our upcoming Spring Gospel Meeting with Brad Harrub. If you “share” that announcement with your friends, and include some words of support, you have effectively invited them to this important event. That might be a better use of this medium then telling 57 people what you’re going to prepare for dinner tonight, most of whom couldn’t care less!
-by Robert C. Veil, Jr.
