I don’t claim to be any kind of social media expert – far from it! But I have been a part of this growing trend toward virtual communication and relationship for most of its time in popularity & I’m beginning to notice something.

What’s the problem?

There is an ongoing push toward the idea that things can be stated on social media that you would otherwise never say. It’s almost as if people (especially Christians) think that this virtual reality is somehow different from their regular day to day life. My newsfeed is always clogged with statements made by people that they would never say to my face. Sometimes it comes in the form of an outlandish, derogatory, rude, racist, self-righteous meme. Other times it comes in some sort of creepy religious meme that promises a blessing of some sort because I share it. Once in a while it takes the form of profanity shared quickly without a thought. Almost daily it includes some statement about another person that either a. you would never say to their face or b. you should never say in general.

But each time it is highly discouraging. We are called to so much more than Facebook and Twitter wars. We aren’t supposed to make videos bashing other people. We aren’t supposed to even find profanity or racism or harsh words humorous, let alone share them! What you may never have been told before is that when you share something, it is the equivalent of you saying it directly to the face of hundreds or thousands of people. Look back at your newsfeed. Is that how you want to be remembered? Guilting other Christians into feeling like they are doing something wrong because they don’t want to share your weird Christian memes? Filling their minds with cursing & wrong information?

What does your social media say about your Christianity?

The commands of Scripture extend to your posts on social media!

“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.” Ephesians 4:29

Do you think the Lord through Paul didn’t care what was shared on social media? Or do you think that is part of your voice? Considered part of what is coming out of your mouth?

Think about this this – we hold writers accountable for their written words. We even call their way of writing their “voice”. What does your voice sound like on social media?

Are people encouraged when your posts show up on their newsfeed? Do they feel built up? Do they recognize your Christianity? See a consistent message with what you say in person?

Or do they feel uncomfortable? Unwelcome? Wronged? Misunderstood?

The gospel calls us to more than this! If we are going to embrace the task of sharing the gospel with the nations (a job every Christian is commissioned with) why doesn’t it start on our social media?

I have had so many conversations with people who say, “those people claim to be Christians, but do you see what they post of Facebook?!” May it never be!

A better way forward

No more vulgarity. No more racism. No more acting like you understand someone else you have never taken the time to have a conversation with! No more sexual humor. No more guilt trips or false promises that God will bless what He has never promised to bless.

Instead, share Scripture. Share blogs about the gospel & the Christian life. Share information about your local church. Share photos of God’s blessings. Share stories of people being used by God in your life. Share ministry opportunities.

There are so many worthwhile uses for social media & the internet in general.

But there is a lie from the pit of Hell that tells Christians that their voice on social media is ok to detach from their voice in person. It isn’t true. Don’t believe it.

Hospitable hearts means welcoming others as Christ has welcomed us & it extends to every area we touch. Welcome people through social media.

For other thoughts on our online presence take a look at… How to be Real in Our Virtual World