Interestingly I began writing this article March 25, 2025, and when I checked my sermon files I discovered that March 25, 2016 when I spoke on the European Ghanian Lectureship in Amsterdam, Netherlands my assigned topic was “Social Media and Christian Values.”
At that time an eMarketer report stated, “Worldwide Social Network Users: Nearly one in four people in 2012 used social media. In 2013 that number rose from 1.47 billion in 2012 to 1.73 billion, an 18% increase. By 2017, the global social network audience will total 2.55 billion.”
The report today says, “Social media has a massive global reach, with over 5 billion users, representing 63.8% of the world’s population, and people spend an average of 2 hours and 19 minutes daily on these platforms.” I doubt that there is anyone reading this article today who does not use social media.
Good and Bad
It is not hard to think of ways “Social Media” can be used for good. Families can stay in touch with one another even when separated by hundreds or thousands of miles. Think of the missionaries who went out in the 1800s or even the early 1900s, it took months to get a letter to its destination. Today, families of missionaries can stay in touch with their families and supporters with the help of “Social Media.”
Better than just staying in touch with family, the gospel can now be preached to million or even billions in a matter of seconds. I believe that if the great evangelist Paul were alive today, he would use “Social Media” to spread the gospel around the world. We should also! Anyone who knows me knows that I am not a “tech” person, but I believe it ought to be used, especially by those who know how to use it most effectively.
First, we must make sure that what we write or say is actually what the Bible teaches because if it is wrong, we influence millions! When we post something wrong or with a wrong “tone” it can stay in circulation forever. There is no way for humans to measure the damage that is done. We sometimes think because we cannot see each other that we can use language that we would not use in person and/or say things in a cutting way that we would not do if we were in the presence of that person.
Second, with “Social Media” one has time to think of the best way to say something before he or she speaks whether orally or in written form. Unfortunately, it appears that many people do not think before they write or speak. We ought never to compromise the truth, but at the same time, we need to try to say it in the best possible way. Luke said this about Paul and his traveling companions. “In Iconium they entered the synagogue of the Jews together, and spoke in such a manner that a large number of people believed, both of Jews and of Greeks” (Acts 14:1).
Christian Ethics and Social Networking
There are many biblical passages and principles that should guide us as we communicate through “Social Media” but I have selected two from which we can learn some principles to guide us.
The first has been called “The Personal Worker’s Prayer.” “Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving; praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned; that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak. Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace, as thought seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person” (Colossians 4:2-6). Notice these points that can make us better communicators on “Social Media.”
First, pray for an open door (v. 3). Not everyone with whom we communicate is receptive to the gospel message. Look for those who appear to be willing to listen. Maybe we can see it in something they have said or maybe the way they have said it. Second, pray that what we say is clear – easily understood. Third, make sure that our conduct manifest wisdom (v. 5). This may involve the language we use and even “the tone” in which we say it. It may be in written form, but it often carries “a tone.” The “outsiders” are those who are not Christians. Fourth, make the most of our opportunity. We may be able to only plant a seed of the truth. They may not be ready for too much information at this time. Fifth, make sure that our speech is season with grace as seasoned with salt (v. 6) – “Salt” doesn’t mean that our language ought to be “salty” as some use that term. “Salt” adds flavor to our food. Our works can make our message favorable. Sixth, pray that we may know how to respond to each person. Different people react differently to different approaches. We need to pray that we know how to approach that particular person.
The second passage is Ephesians 5:15, 25-32. Because it is a lengthy passage, I’m not going to quote it, but simply list some points that should guide us as we communicate. First, we must speak the truth in love (v. 15, 25). Second, we may be angry with what we receive through “Social Media” but we must not respond in like-manner. Let’s control our anger (v. 26). When we respond angrily, we give the devil a great opportunity to do damage. Third, do not let any unwholesome words come from our mouths, but rather may our words edify. Make sure that our words give grace to those who hear (v. 29). Fourth, make sure that we do not display any bitterness, wrath, clamor, or slander in our communication. The final message is, “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other just as God in Christ also has forgiven you” (v.32).
Conclusion
“Social Media” is a great tool for many good reasons, but like any tool it can be used for evil rather than good. Let’s not let that happen through our use of this God-given tool. Let’s determine to use it for God’s glory and ask God’s blessing on our use of it. “Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world. Holding forth the word of life” (Philippians 2:14-16).
Wayne Burger
