Social Media Advice

Posting or viewing content on social media is one of the most popular and frequent things people do these days. Whether it’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, or any of the dozens and dozens of other social media networks out there in cyberworld, social media has changed our culture in ways that none of us could have ever imagined just a few years ago. It has also changed the church, sometimes in good ways, but unfortunately, in some bad ways as well.

The misuse of social media has damaged many people and has hurt the influence of many Christians, thus the church at large. However, I am not one of those people who say Christians should stop using social media just because there are bad elements and potential pitfalls associated with it. In fact, I think we should use it. However, we must learn to use it appropriately, and to God’s glory and advantage.

With a little help from my favorite blogger James Emery White, I would like to offer a bit of advice for any Christian who routinely engages in social media. 

1. Don't post anything that could potentially undermine your reputation or the church's reputation for Christ-like character. 

It is stunning to me how many Christians feel there is a disconnect between what they post or share on social media, and the person they desire to be in Christ. So often what some Christians post tends to mimic culture’s values instead of God’s values. For example, a post or link to a popular video that is, in truth, inappropriate. Or favoriting a website that, while popular, often features sketchy content. James was inspired to write, “Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so” (James 3:10). 

At other times Christians exercise their biblical "freedoms" in certain areas but are not discrete in terms of how they make those freedoms known. This especially plays out when Christians post pictures in settings that if not carefully contextualized can easily be misconstrued as abusing their “Christian freedoms.” The point is that when you post something, you are putting it out there for public consumption. Make sure it won't cause spiritual indigestion.

2. Don't post anything that would potentially undermine your spiritual maturity.

Does your online presence support or project the man or woman in Christ you want to be known as? Does it breed confidence in you as someone who is wise and mature in your spiritual walk? The point is simple: make sure everything about your social media presence supports who you are as a Christ-follower. Make sure your online presence doesn’t make you appear as a spiritual juvenile to people (young and old) that you hope to influence for Christ.

3. Don't retweet from, or link to, any person or source you are not absolutely 100% willing to endorse.

If you retweet something, you are endorsing it. You might say, "No, I'm not! I just liked the saying!" Sorry. That's not the way it works. If you retweet someone, or share a link, your followers may be inclined to follow that person or organization, and then they will receive an endless supply of future tweets. Don't risk infecting others.

Bottom line DO NOT retweet anyone or any link that might in any way convey your tacit endorsement.

4. Don't overdo it.

There are some people who seem to live on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter – or for it. This is problematic on at least two fronts: first to the average busy person it sends the message that you have too much time on your hands, or that you are not using your time wisely, or on the most important things.

A second concern is that if you overdo it, you set yourself up for mistakes. The more you post the greater the chance you will say things you will eventually regret or prove to be untrue or premature. You can also react emotionally in ways that are inappropriate. As Scripture reminds us, "Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut." (Proverbs 10:19, NLT)

5. Be respectful to others.

One of the great allures of social media is, well, that it's social! But when do you engage? When do you stop? When do you block?

Here are a few guidelines you might find helpful:

• Be the aroma of Christ in whatever you post. Period. Be gracious and give people's motivations and "tone" the benefit of the doubt. Soften anything you say that might be misconstrued with an appropriate disarming emoji.
• There are many times you will be "baited" to respond and engage in controversy or argument. Resist the urge. Yes, even if it means letting them have the last word.
• Move from social media to social interaction. Meaning, don't hesitate to say, "This really isn't the format for us to discuss this, but I will be happy to chat with you on the phone or meet you for coffee." I know, you can't always do this, but there have been many back-and-forth's I've seen played out on social media that I wish someone had swallowed their pride and been mature enough to inject this into the mix.
• Don’t block people just because they disagree with you, but do block people who are profane, or who’s agenda is clearly antagonistic.
• Along with grace, exercise humility. Some things should not really be retweeted, like when someone says something particularly kind about you. "Like" it, of course, as a way of saying "Thanks," but don't retweet. Make sense? There is a thin line between using social media to keep up with friends and family, make appropriate announcements, celebrate milestones, and hopefully further your good Christian example – and using it to make a self-glorified poster of yourself for the world to see.
• At all costs avoid using your tongue in sinful ways, especially in the areas of gossip and slander.

In conclusion, 1) don't put anything dumb out there for the world to see, and 2) leverage social media as much as you can to promote a pure and true image of Christ to the world.