The relationship with social media is an interesting one. While it has its many benefits, from connecting with friends and loved ones, learning all kinds of new trades (because everyone seems to be an expert at something these days), and the amazing amounts of encouragement that can flood in from various sources, unfortunately, there are just as many drawbacks.
For starters, the connections can be surface-level and superficial, leading to loneliness. The “experts” can sometimes offer unsound advice, and the encouragement you seek may not quite fit the words you really need to hear.
But, although social media has its many ups and downs, we are all plugged in and connected, oftentimes needing it for work, school, or to get updates for social event updates, which sounds funny even to say.
It brings us to the question: if we are all on it for some reason or another, how are we to interact, respond, comment, and so forth? Is there a “conduct code,” if you will, on how we, as believers, should represent ourselves?
I would venture to say, yes, there is, and it is to represent the Body of Christ. Sounds simple enough, right? But, oh, how easy it is to react differently behind a screen.
The “social media mirage” gives us the illusion of feeling hidden. Getting sucked into debates, conflicts, and maybe sensing the urge to just say what we really want to say, but deep down knowing that we shouldn’t.
We’ve all been there, even if it was with a posture of a good heart, saying or posting something that we later deeply regret as we desperately search for the retract and delete button.
But here’s the thing — we aren’t called to be perfect, but merely to point others to a perfect God! If we claim to be followers of Christ, we not only have the opportunity to share that hope with others but we are commanded to do so.
He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation (Mark 16:15).
So, keeping that in mind, before we post or react to another on social media, let’s strive to pause and pray, inviting God into those conversations. Then remember that what we say should be a reflection of Who we are in Christ, and let our speech flow out of love, truth, and grace.
Lastly, we must also be aware that the enemy will use these platforms to get us fired up about our faith and manipulate us in order to dim our light, possibly even misrepresent His Word. So, we must be cautious, on guard, and intentional about what we share, post, and comment on.
That being said, let’s dig into a little “code of conduct” if you will, and discover five things you should never say on social media as a believer. Because what we say (and don’t say for that matter) on these platforms really does matter.
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1. Profane/Offensive Language
We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:20).
This may sound like a no-brainer, but this is such an easy target for Satan to creep in and plan his strategic attack, imploring his malicious deed to just one simple meme or slang.
What harm could it do, right? Well, truth be told — a lot. When we decide to post crude or offensive language, it brings glaring eyes and a little heat to our page, making others question our values.
That’s because when we profess to be Christians, our actions and words should follow suit. Even if we throw a little disclaimer of, “language warning” or “too funny not to share” in front of the offensive post, knowing it may conjure up a bunch of different reactions, that does not make it more palatable.
The fact of the matter is this — we are to be ambassadors for Christ. And our words (and the words we share) show others Who we truly follow.
When we choose to throw out careless thoughts or react in haste with crude humor, it dishonors the body of Christ and brings confusion to non-believers.
The aim here isn’t to put on some spiritual show, acting holier than thou, but to truly think before we post, being mindful of what message we are sending.
Because in the end, we set the stage for our social media account, and have the choice and decision on what to share and post.
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2. Negativity Vs. Positivity
A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones (Proverbs 17:22).
Social media is not just used for connection, but now it has become another source for attaining the news. And I am pretty sure as you find yourself scrolling along, there are just as many endless opinions as there are heartbreaking stories.
In other words, it isn’t always the best place to gather information and has a stigma of pulling us deep into a negative train of thought. Sigh.
As believers, we have the unique opportunity to be a breath of fresh air. Our social media presence doesn’t always have to be bubbly and bright, but we do have a chance to be eager and ready to share the hope that is found in God’s Word.
So many are searching for truth right now as the current trends in our society are leaving many anxious and confused.
Not only that, but we never truly know what people are going through behind that screen. The outside images of smiles and precious pictures could purely be a façade. We just never know the internal struggles and battles that others are facing.
Bringing in positivity could mean more than we may ever truly know. Maybe even preventing another from stumbling or softening a heart as God speaks through a faith-filled Scripture post.
Our attitude should differ from the current social climate and reflect peace and joy in these times of chaos and sorrow. We have the chance every day to offer hope and show others (especially non-believers) that there is so much more to this life.
By seeking the Lord's discernment, we can find gentle ways of getting real with people in a positive way by being honest and vulnerable and sharing our testimonies and stories, all while pointing them back to the nature of God’s mercy, grace, and goodness.
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3. Political Jargon
But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless(Titus 3:9).
It isn’t hard to see that the current trend on social media is being consumed with politics. Especially with the current state of affairs and the upcoming election — there is a lot going on! But this is only the beginning. Oh friend, it’s only going to ramp up.
While we may each hold our own political views and have various stances on certain issues, we must always remain respectful. With that, we must also be vigilant and stay guarded.
That is because, while social media can be a great place to share the real hope we have in Jesus, we must also realize that these topics can get heated and messy really quickly.
That doesn’t mean we can’t discuss politics, but it does mean that everything we choose to say, or share should be wrapped in truth and grace.
We must speak out for injustice and what is right, but also walk with humility, and respond with dignity and tact, otherwise we are misrepresenting what we believe and Who we follow.
Before posting or responding to a political-themed issue, pause and pray about it, and seek God’s wisdom. If you have hesitancy, it could be best to halt or move on from that trail of thought.
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4. Judgment or Blame
Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven(Luke 6:37).
Jesus warns us of our human nature in the verse above. He calls us out for criticizing and scrutinizing others.
While this verse has often been taken out of context, it touches on loving our enemies and asks us to forgive them. So much easier said than done. Am I right?
On social media it can feel as if we are surrounded by people who may frustrate, hurt us with words, or hold different views that they want to shove in our face, deeming them our “enemy.”
We may inwardly hold grudges or bitterness, as we tightly hold on to our “right to be right.” But we are commanded not to do this, and rather extend forgiveness and move on. Let it go.
All this just makes me think of another verse in Matthew 7:3-5 that basically calls us hypocrites for looking at the speck in another’s eye, all the while failing to see the 2x4 in our own. Ouch! Talk about humbling.
The truth of the matter is that we are going to come across all kinds of people on social media. But…that’s the point!
It allows us to converse with anybody and everybody, of all walks of faith, giving way to share God’s love and talk about hope found in His Word. They don’t have to receive it, but we can put Truth out there and let God do the rest.
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5. Initiate Arguments
Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces(Matthew 7:6).
Jesus laid out for us during the Sermon on the Mount characteristics of the ideal follower (Matthew 5:1-10).
Further along in the passage, in Matthew 7, Jesus addresses the issue of sharing the good news with those who will not appreciate it, and furthermore, may even turn to hostility.
The emphasis here is on God’s people, and to provide them a warning in order to protect them and their hearts. We too, shall heed this warning. Not everyone will be warm and fuzzy with our eagerness to share the truth of our awesome God.
Therefore, it can easily open Pandora’s box, starting a discussion that could quickly turn into a grueling debate or argument. All this means is that we must tread lightly here and seek God’s pull on how to handle such situations.
Now, this isn’t to insinuate that when others want to question us about our faith we shouldn’t be open, with a soft heart, ready to share the good news.
However, what it does mean, is when it becomes obvious that another does not wish to hear the truth, and it is apparent that their hearts are hardened, we must gracefully bow down and step away (Matthew 15:14).
Lord, we are so thankful that You are such a good, kind, and loving Father, but also righteous and holy. As your sons and daughters, help us to be a light and represent You in all that we say and do.
Give us wisdom and discernment on how to interact with dignity, truth, and grace when we are on social media, and please forgive us when we fail. We want to be a light in a dark world, so please help us do just that. We love You and ask this in Your precious name. Amen.
For further reading:
How Can Social Media Be Harmful to Our Health?
Why Christians Should Stop Arguing on Social Media
How Can a Social Media Fast Be a Blessing?
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Vadym Pastukh
Originally published Friday, 22 September 2023.