If we were to scroll through your social media profile, what would we find? Would your posts, shared images, and comments, be a reflection of your testimony when using social media?
Social media good or bad is a wonderful tool we use to communicate. We have never lived in such a time where spreading the message of Jesus Christ can be easily accessible.
On the other hand, social media is also a tool that can; hurt relationships, cause others to take offense, and start a war.
With all the recent events in our society, we are seeing more and more Christians engaging in a manner on social media that does not reflect who they are in Christ.
This is no laughing matter. Ironically, it is just that.
4 Pitfalls To Avoid When Using Social Media
It’s really funny to hear someone say, God is good. Then a few minutes later we see a post they just shared filled with; hate, curse words, and / or coarse jokes towards others.
It’s time for us to take a look at our posts and examine if they reflect what we believe. Click To Tweet
Don’t feel bad about this. We’re not trying to condemn anyone. Instead, we hope this post will convict your hearts to reconsider what you post; by asking yourself, will this post help or hurt my testimony?
And if you’re not sure, we have outlined four pitfalls to avoid that affect your testimony.
Opinions
Love it or hate it, opinions are popping up everywhere on the Internet (good and bad). That’s because social media gives us the ability to do just that-to be opinionated.
We have a tendency to use our free speech, literally on posts we don’t agree with. Making sure we get our point across. And that usually comes at the expense of more and more ungodliness.
There is a time and a place for healthy debate (in love-of course). However, often times the heart of our communication gets lost in technology. And it just might be best to simply avoid it. This does not mean we remain silent when God calls us to speak, but we can address those matters privately while showing humility and compassion towards our brothers and sisters in Christ.
To keep the peace sometimes means we need to consider being quiet, or better yet, use discernment for when it’s time to say something.
But avoid all empty (vain, useless, idle) talk, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness.~ 2 Timothy 2:16 (AMPC)
Sure, we may have our opinions but is it really for us to voice them all the time? If we’re not careful, we can fall into the slippery slope of being wise in our own eyes.
Foul Language
We’re all grown here. What’s the big deal with sharing something with a little bad language?
Well, we will let scripture examine that statement.
Ephesians 4:29 (AMPC) says; “Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God’s favor) to those who hear it.”
You may think acronyms like LMAO or OMG are no big deal. But everyone knows what they mean.
If you wouldn’t use the Lord’s name in vain, why would you use it in an acronym?
We have to admit sometimes OMG gets used without even thinking. In our mind, that only means “oh my gosh.” But how do you think it is perceived by others?
There was a time when a friend of our posted a really good article but when we want to share it on our page, it posted the title differently with bad language.
Instead of sharing it, or simply ignoring it, we reached out privately to our friends. We expressed how much we enjoyed their article, and that we really wanted to share it.
However, with the bad language displaying in the title when it is shared, would not be a good witness for us. Especially, since we have youth in our church following us on social media. We went on to explain it was important that we set the example of what we are teaching them.
This was communication was received well by our friends. In fact, they told us, they weren’t even aware that it was displaying that way. And they were willing to change it, because they wouldn’t want to hinder anyone else from being able to share it.
You see, the more we take responsibility for the content we share, the more we set the standard of how our social media posts should be; especially for those who belong to the Body of Christ.
Images
Everyone loves pictures of families, selfies, and funny memes. Until those memes become more offensive, or reflect discord. Sure it might be funny but at whose expense?
Before you share or post an image ask yourself; would you share this image with Jesus?
The truth is…
Jesus See’s All, Hears All, and Knows All! Click To Tweet
Coarse Jokes
Speaking of memes, most of them are usually funny. Not necessarily because of the photo itself, but the meme caption on the photo. We think that it’s not causing any harm, because hey it’s just a joke, lighten up, have some fun. However, God’s Word tells us to refrain from coarse joking.
Let there be no filthiness (obscenity, indecency) nor foolish and sinful (silly and corrupt) talk, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting or becoming; but instead voice your thankfulness [to God]. ~ Ephesians 5:4 (AMPC)
Jokes go too far and get taken out of hand. When you are communicating over technology, it’s hard for people to understand your heart, or your tone. So if you post something with a coarse joke and it’s taken the wrong way, it can cause more damage other than the good laugh you intended.
Social media is a powerful tool when used properly. It can connect family and friends from around the world. Connect you to people you would’ve never met prior, and it can reunite lost friends.
However, it can also ruin relationships, divide communities, stir-up hate, and controversy among nations.
In The End
As a follower in Christ, everything we do should reflect what we say we believe. It’s not just about what we say -verbally. It’s about how we live and conduct ourselves even online.
Therefore, when using social media, keep in mind that your witness (your testimony) is being examined. People are watching what you post.
So in closing we ask you…
Are your social media posts helping or hurting your testimony?
PS…Want to step up your love walk with your social media posts? Enroll in our 30- Day Love Challenge, social media is a good place to put your love walk to test!
~ André and Timberley Gray
These are really great reminders and so relevant in our social media society! Be in this world but don’t be of it!
Amen Melissa, sometimes we get caught up in this world, we forget that we are in it but not of it! Thank you for reading. ~ Blessings
I echo those thoughts Melissa! This is a great post to share with others and especially my teen daughter.
Wow – what a great post. This message is crucial to those who follow Christ. It’s so easy to get caught up in the sway of public tendencies without remembering that we were created to stand out. To be different. Thanks for the encouragement.
Praise God Cathy that this post encouraged you. That was our prayer, to help bring awareness to the Body of Christ so we can be a witness even on social media. ~ Blessings
Thanks for writing this pertinent post on integrity in social media. This is so important for the Body of Christ to keep in mind!
Blessings to you!
Thank you Vicki for stopping by to read. We appreciate the kind words. ~ Blessings
Such a great article – thank you for sharing!
Thank you!
Great reminders! I see these all the time, along with a number of other issues…complaining, spreading rumors, etc. We definitely need to pause and search our hearts to allow God to direct us before we post on social media.
You are so right Shannon, we must pause and search our hearts it will make all the difference. ~ Blessings
Hello! I mentioned I would seek out your article talking on the same social media topic and I’m so glad I did! This encouraged me, thank you. You broke down some great points, getting us to think about things that are easy to gloss over or justify, reflecting back to the source. Keep on!
Hi Brittinni! Thank you for searching for the post, I guess I should have left the link. But it’s all good, God must be speaking because the focus on how we present ourselves on social media seems to be at the forefront of our minds. Thank you for stopping by. ~ Blessings
Amen, thank you for always speaking the truth in love.
Amen, thank you for always speaking the truth in love.
God is always right on time! I really needed to read this today. This week I responded to someone publicly online. I shared my opinion on their recent actions toward a dear friend and business partner of mine. I was harsh and there was truly no need for me to speak on these things. I can honestly say, it hurt my testimony and I spent an entire evening apologizing for my lack of compassion and for my opinion that was never asked for. I really like the question you told us to ask ourselves – “Would you share this image (or comment) with Jesus?” The truth is I wouldn’t. If the Lord showed up on my doorstep tomorrow morning and asked about the harsh opinion I shared, I would not only feel guilty, but I would also be completely embarrassed by my reaction. I think I will start asking myself that question on a regular basis now. Thank you so much for this.
WOW Kimberly such great revelation. More importantly I love your humbled heart to look inward. That shows your deep conviction to honor God my friend. ~ Blessings