CHRISTIANS AND SOCIAL MEDIA
(By Joe R. Price)

The gospel teaches us to always be truthful (Eph. 4:25; Col. 3:9). That includes our language and conduct on social media platforms like Facebook, X, and Instagram. It is important to maintain and advance the virtues of godliness and righteousness if you are active on these plaforms. Always be a child of God “without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world” (Phil. 2:15).

Best-selling author Lisa Bevere noted, “There's a huge danger when it comes to social media, because there's often no accountability” (Leah MarieAnn Klett, “Lisa Bevere Cautions Christians Using Social Media: Just Because It's Viral Doesn't Mean God Approves,” christianpost.com). Our accountability to God ought to inform and shape our online conduct (2 Cor. 5:10). With that in mind, consider some practical applications for social media conduct.

Beware the Mob Mentality

The anonymity of social media can be a great temptation to say whatever we want to say without considering the consequences. We must remember we will give an account of every idle word on the day of judgment before posting careless, hurtful comments (Matt. 12:36-37). Our words on the internet must be seasoned with grace, not loaded with animosity (Col. 4:6).

The mob mentality thrives on the expectation of remaining faceless and nameless. Yet, we are known by name to our Creator. He always sees us (Heb. 4:13). Rushing headlong with the crowd to do and condone evil was sin in Israel, and it continues to be so (Exod. 23:2; Eph. 5:11). Just because everyone gives a “like” to something online does not mean you should. Be thoughtful and careful where you put your influence on social media because it will be there for a very long time.

Verify Before You Post and Share

There is no question that some things we read online stir our moral, religious, and political zeal. We think it just has to be true (because we want it to be true or perhaps because it confirms what we already believe). But are we sure the information is accurate? Or do we just “run with it?” Have we verified the source of the information? Are we confident it is true? Or do we thoughtlessly forward it on, never even considering its accuracy? (Isn't that one way “fake news” becomes “fake?”)

The Scriptures teach us to be careful with the information we communicate to others. If the tongue is a deadly fire, then the computer or cellphone keyboard is a raging inferno (James 3:5-8). We should slow down and consider before spreading information online. Is it true? Does it promote righteousness? Am I being an example of godliness by writing or forwarding this? Am I supporting truth or error, goodness or evil? Scripture says, “The heart of the righteous studies how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil” (Prov. 15:28).

We expose ourselves to shame when we fail to pause and verify what is true. “He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him” (Prov. 18:13). By doing so we expose ourselves to correction that otherwise would be unnecessary. “The first one to plead his cause seems right, until his neighbor comes and examines him” (Prov. 18:17).

Someone posted a meme that said, “Not everything you read on the internet is true” (by Abraham Lincoln). This humorous reminder helps us keep a healthy skepticism about what we read on social media. Much of what you read there is not true. And much of it is harmful.

Watch Your Language

The “comments” sections of websites are full of terrible remarks. Social media is filled with extremely coarse, vulgar, and abusive language. Such expressions as “OMG” are commonplace. (After all, it rolls off tongues millions of times daily, so naturally, we see it online.) Euphemistic exclamations may seem less offensive than other expletives, but curses such as “Oh my God” are profane and offensive to God (Exod. 20:7; Lev. 19:12). We speak what is in our hearts (Matt. 12:34-35). Whether it is profanity or other sins of the tongue like gossip, backbiting, maliciousness, etc., we must guard against temptations posed by social media. Self-control cannot go out the window just because we use Windows (or Apple) to communicate with the world.

Do Not Promote Religious Error

We are always to hold fast to the word of life, and that includes refusing to be sucked into condoning the religious platitudes and errors so prevalent on social media (Phil. 2:16). Scriptures are often used out of their context and misapplied via social media content. Many religious people on social media want you to “like” their content, teachings, and activities. It is tempting to do so, instead of first examining whether we should promote or expose what they have said (Eph. 5:11; 2 John 9-11). If it is not Bible truth, let us teach them instead of blindly giving our name and voice to their error (1 John 4:1).

Do Not Promote Immorality

This should go without saying. Yet, we see Christians immodestly dressed in their social media photos. This present age is overwhelming the moral sensibilities and values of Christians, young and old. It is better to be spoken evil of by people and be accepted by God than to have their praise and God's rejection (1 Pet. 4:1-4). We must “come out and be separate,” not blend in to be accepted by the world (2 Cor. 6:17-18).