By Jonah Simmons and Pastor David Holt
We (Jonah and David) have been talking lately about the
positives and negatives of social media. Therefore, we decided to write a joint
blog about this. We would love your
thoughts on this, so feel free to comment about this on Facebook. If you are reading this on Pastor David’s
blog, please go to Jonah or David’s Facebook post to make your comments. Thanks.
Here we go:
Social media is an incredible new phenomenon. So much can be sent out so quickly. You can share anything you want about
yourself or others for the world to see.
This can be good, and this can also be dangerous. Let’s begin with the
potential positives, especially for a Christ-follower:
Potential positives
of social media:
1.
It can be a vehicle to share Christ with
others. There are currently over 1.2
billion monthly active users on Facebook. There is no other outlet available
for us to reach as many people at one time as what is available through social
media. Jesus said to go into all the world and make disciples (Mt. 28:18).
2.
Social media allows us to stay up to date with
situations all over the world as they unfold, so that we can start praying
immediately.
3.
When someone shares a concern or struggle, we
can offer encouragement and support.
Gal. 6 says to “bear one another’s burdens” (v. 1). We need to be careful not to give “pat
answers”, but giving someone scripture or just informing them that we are
praying for them, can be a source of encouragement.
4.
We can use social media to inform people about
events, articles, etc. that will spiritually benefit them. Ephesians 5 says to make the most of our time
for the days are evil (v. 16).
5.
The Bible says to “rejoice with those who
rejoice” (Rom. 12:15). When someone
shares a joy (i.e. engagement, answer to prayer, etc.) we can rejoice with
them.
6.
Through social media we can keep in contact with
friends and relatives in other areas of the world in real time. It reminds us
that we are not alone.
Now for the potential negatives. Beware
that social media can:
1.
Lead to an unfair comparison with others and
possible depression. We forget that most people only post the most positive
things in their life, and it can appear that their whole life is this
positive. We can easily compare our
situation to theirs, and unfairly conclude that everyone has it better than we
do.
2.
Cause one to covet what others have. When our friends post positive things in
their life (i.e. “in a relationship”, new car, new house, big buck they shot, happy
family outing, etc.), we can easily become jealous or covet what they
have. If we are not walking in the
Spirit and being grateful for what we have, our flesh can start comparing and
forget that we are only seeing a very small portion of their life.
3.
Lure one into unfruitful arguments. This is a biggie and we see it a lot with
Christians who have strong opinions about certain things. We have both been guilty of this. 2 Tim. 2:23 says, “Have nothing to do with
foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels.” The NIV says “stupid arguments.” Ouch.
4.
Tempt one to become involved in a relationship
that could result in an emotional or physical affair. We have all heard of this happening. When one is not doing well in his/her
marriage, and begins to reconnect with someone from the past, Satan is right
there tempting us to go farther than we should.
Interacting on social media will always look more positive than “real
life.”
5.
Cause one to be judgmental towards another.
Often times in social media we see others posting about their circumstances or
whatever situation they may be going through. It is very easy to look at this
and pass judgment by thinking that we would have handled the situation
differently, or even blaming the person for the situation they are in. Jesus
says in Matthew 7:1-5, “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the
judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will
be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but
do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your
brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your
own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you
will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.”
6.
Cause one to become numb to things that we
should be compassionate about. It can be hard to keep a tender heart towards
needs, when we are bombarded with so much information every day. For example, in one day we can hear about a
plane crashing and killing 162 people, a suicide bomber killing 50, and a fire
destroying a home in our town. At the
same time we learn about these events on social media, we continue scrolling
down and become more interested in a humorous viral video or advertisement for
a sale.
7.
Become a hindrance to existing relationships in
simply the time it can occupy. Recently
I (David) walked into a restaurant and observed that at every table but one, at
least one person was on their phone, probably looking at some form of social
media. Instead of talking to the person
across the table, they were preoccupied with their phone. Americans spend more
time on social media than any other online activity, including email, and 60%
of that time is spent on our smartphones! Put the phone in your pocket. Look up
and look at what is going on around you. It is fruitful to take the time and
“unplug”.
8.
Cause an obsession with self. It seems a bit narcissistic when people find
it necessary to post what they eat at every meal, when they get their latest manicure,
and all the details of their vacation. “For
by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more
highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in
accordance with the measure of faith God has given you” (Rom. 12:13).
9.
Cause people to waste a tremendous amount of
time. Reports estimate that 18–34 year-olds spend as much as 3.8 hours a day on
social media, and 35-49 year olds are now spending as much as 3 hours a day. Imagine
what it would look like if we took a fraction of that time and redirected our
attention to our job, our kids, our spouse, or even our relationship with God.
So, like so many things in life, this tool of social media
can go positive or negative, depending on whether or not we stay sensitive to
the Holy Spirit and walk close with the Lord.
Always be mindful of how you interact with others on social media. As Christ followers, we may be the only Jesus
some people see.
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for
good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians
2:10).
What are your thoughts?
(Statistics are from
Business Insider, NY Times)
