The power we give others behind a computer screen on social media to tell us if we are good enough and if our work is worthy is shameful. People become ruthless and more atrocious with their words. They become workers for the devil and don’t realize they are being used for wicked acts. Likes, shares, and subscribers must not dictate what we do for the Lord. If that is our goal, we are missing the purpose of doing anything for Jesus. Social media is a tool, not our God. It is a means to further the Gospel, share the love of Jesus, and connect in a positive and meaningful way. Social media is not the final authority for a Christian, the Bible is.
Don’t get caught up
It’s very easy to get caught up in the hype when people are viewing, liking, and sharing your post. Be mindful because what you share on social media becomes part of your legacy. It’s also very easy to get caught up in other people’s posts and then respond without thinking. Remember, what you do today affects your tomorrow. You may have little children or hope to in the future, and in ten or fifteen years, you have to explain to them what that picture is all about. Keep in mind some employers use social media as a tool to see if they want you to represent their company. They are judging you based on what you display on these platforms. Relationships have wedges driven in between them because people put their business on display for the whole world to scrutinize and pick them apart.
I have watched people post something uplifting and positive and turn around and post something harsh and negative. People are watching you, and you should be watching people. Pay close attention to what you post and what you allow people to post on your platform.
Provoking to condemnation
If a post provokes you to condemn someone to the very place that Jesus saved you from which is hell, you may want to consider getting off of social media. There’s a difference between righteous anger and condemnation. Sin and the thought of it should disgust us, but remember, the same Jesus that was crucified for your sin, is the same Jesus that was crucified for their sin. I have read posts or watched videos of Christians hurling vulgarity and in the next breathe saying God bless you with a smug attitude. That’s your legacy. You don’t have to agree with someone, but as a Christian, your calling is to love and show it in hopes that one more sheep will come to know Christ.
Never say never
As we read and watch on social media we can get on our soapbox and think we would never do that or be in that situation. Repent of that immediately because you don’t know what you will encounter in the next second of your life. Many people have thought they would never steal until they lost their job and needed money to feed their children. At any given moment, you could be that fallen sister or brother that you are mocking and looking down upon.
Dare to be righteous
I realize some of the posts that are about Jesus aren’t always popular and don’t get the most likes, comments, and shares. A lot of people connect boring with a life connected to Jesus. I am a Christian, a lover, and a follower of Jesus, and my life is far from boring but is extremely peaceful. It’s full of love, activities, laughter, and purpose. Christians go bowling, skating, horseback riding, shopping, play sports, take vacations, and more. We have ups and downs just like the next person but we have an advocate named Jesus Christ. He is available to anyone that wants a relationship with Him this is not an exclusive club.
The Bible is our standard. Some people think it’s just a book of rules that wants to keep them from having fun and living life. It’s the opposite, God wants us to enjoy life to the fullest by developing a godly character that will help us avoid pitfalls. It’s for our protection from darkness and sin and suffering the consequence of ungodly choices. I have chosen wrong paths and relationships and it has cost me time, resources, emotional damage, and more. I can tell you from experience it was not fun and not something I ever want to repeat. Following Jesus has helped me discern and realize that my Heavenly Father wants the best for me. Life is much more enjoyable with Him taking the reigns.
In conclusion
Social media has a lot of great videos, recipes, and stories that encourage and inspire me to do and be better. Friends and families have been reunited because of social media. These are the things I want my platform to reflect. Remember, social media is a tool, not our God.
ACTION ITEM(S)
- How do you use social media?
- Are you relying on social media to validate you?
- Remember, what you post becomes part of your legacy.
- Things you post and joke about should not disrespect, degrade, or humilitate people. The tables can turn and then you become the one that is disrespected, degraded, and humiliated.
- Dare to be righteous.
- Share, subscribe, and comment.
Thank you so much for this reminder! The anonymity Of social media has given people the boldness to say whatever they want to say , and not in a good way. It is very important that we continue to spread the good news of Jesus Christ within this platform and others.
Michelle, I am in total agreement that is why as Christians we must run every thing through Christ. Thank you for taking the time to comment!!!
AMEN! Life before social media was so simple. I wish it would go back to that some days. But like you said it has its benefits! For that I am thankful.
I have had to breakup with social media many times and it’s sad to not see families and friends. But there is life beyond social media and I’m thankful for that! You’re very right about it can become like a god. And it’s not good. I heard once “ you can control the screen time/internet., or ….. “ it can control you!!” I will always use that. Bc it’s a great reminder we can have control of turning it off , putting it down etc
I’m thankful we have a book, the Bible that we can easily access and open and read and find peace from our Heavenly Father. I am recently dealing with some YouTube detox and staring at my phone too long! God got ahold of my heart and at first I kind of ignored Him. But then finally and thankfully He kept tugging and I’m so glad he did. I am now heading back to my Bible more often. It’s so much more relaxing and helps my day to be more calm. When I am filled with His words and not Social media platforms. I am less filled with anxiety.
Thanks for sharing This very important topic that’s not a popular one! And sometimes it’s hard to admit when we get to the place of almost social media addiction. But it’s important to check our lives.
I like the point you bring up about employers looking up people etc. that’s true. Good reminder.
God bless you Carol!
Ashley, You are so right that we sometimes need to detox from social media and other things that are hindering our relationship with Jesus Christ. I’m very grateful you took heed to the Holy Spirit. Thank you!!!
This is exactly why I cannot have my own social media accounts. I do not trust myself because I recognize the sin in my own heart. I will go on my husband’s FB to read fun stories or to get updated on family happenings in other states. Other than that it would be too tempting for me to look for my worth in peoples likes to my posts if I had my own account. Perhaps that may seem weak to some and I am just fine with that! It’s ok for us to not be a part of something if we know it will cause us to stumble and for me social media can be a stumbling block.
I need to remember that everything is just a tool to be utilized and not our god! Good reminders Carol!
Keep up your good work for the Kingdom through social media!! To God be the Glory!
Heidi, It is great that you know what is or can become a stumbling block for you. That is wisdom and praise the Lord for that because you know to avoid it. The consequences could potentially be very damaging. A lesson for all of us. Remember to pray about our stumbling blocks. Thank you for being a part of comealongsideme.com
Very well said.
I love the statement “Be mindful because what you share on social media becomes part of your legacy”. This will definitely cause me to be more mindful of what I post. Thank you for taking the time to bring this to light!
Lisa, This is a great reminder for all of us. Thank you for your comment!