[Editor’s Note]: Social media has been ablaze the past couple of weeks. I had considered writing something about how Christians should or should not use social media, until I saw a Facebook post by Andrew Crowe, preacher at our sister congregation in Century, Florida. He brings out a few more points that I had not considered. His words are wise and valuable. He simply begins with, “We need to be cautious about what we say when using social media.”
- Some might speak without all the facts. I have seen this happen in the past few days from politicians, preachers, and Christians alike. May we be reminded of what Solomon wrote: Proverbs 13:3, 15:28; 17:27-28, and 18:13.
- Some might speak while in the throes of their emotions. While our emotions have been created by God and are good, we can use them in a way God never intended. This would lead us to making inflammatory statements that cause more hurt than help. We could even sin in the process. Paul wrote that Christians should “be angry and sin not.” Afterwards, he spoke of forms of evil often attached to our anger (Ephesians 4:26-27, 31-32). Ambrose Bierce once said, “Speak when you are angry and you will make the best speech you will ever regret.”
- Some might speak hypocritically. It is easy for us to call out the other side, but often more difficult to find fault in our own. Far too often, I have seen brethren state, “This side always … ” Well, first off, no one always nevers and never always. Yes, a thing can be wrong when those who aren’t like us do it, but we need to have that same fervor and zeal to call out sin when our people do it as well. Be mindful of the planks that we personally or collectively might have. Jesus calls us hypocrites when we refuse to do so (Matthew 7:3-4).
- Some should be careful of what they share. I have seen AI-generated posts either praising or condemning people with a made-up story going with it. It is easy to click the share button without a second thought, but a lie is a lie. We do not wish to share lies, do we? While I recognize John is speaking of Gnosticism and we generally use it to speak of false doctrine, we do need to “test the spirits” so to speak (1 John 4:1). I firmly believe no one person reading this genuinely wants to lie to others. That being said, should we not make sure something is true before we post it? Before we share it? Wouldn’t sharing lies make us part and parcel to the same act?
- Stop painting with broad brush strokes. I see too much overgeneralization of “others” on Facebook. These brushstrokes only further divide, stifle conversation, and shut the door on otherwise good people who might be open to the truth. As I have said before, people are aware of David Koresh and Fred Phelps. No Christian wants to be generalized after those examples. Why do we do that to others? Imagine how many souls would have been lost had the early church had the same mentality that we often have.
This was written by a person well aware that he, at times, has been guilty of these. He is trying to do better If I fail, please lovingly let me know, as I am trying to lovingly remind us all.