As Christians how we behave on social media matters a lot. Many Christians are full of grace and kindness at church, but on social media, they are like untamed animals.
Christians on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter behave like Christ is completely absent from their lives. Today we will address some common mistakes Christians make on social media and how to better represent Christ online.
1) Don’t have a negative attitude
Christians need not be in negativity all the time and should be sure to share truth, beauty, and goodness in all they post online. Philippians 4:8 calls believers to think in this way: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
2) Don’t use crude jokes and memes
Memes are being used by everybody on social media and as we are not supposed to share dirty jokes, don’t share dirty memes.
Jeremiah 9:23-24a says, “Thus says the Lord: ‘Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me.’”
3) Don’t brag about how spiritual you are
Christians share things like, “Our budget has been tight lately but we’re so thankful to have a loving family and a roof over our heads.”
Showing off about how virtuous you are online looks like the hypocrites Jesus condemns in Matthew 6:5: “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.”
Don’t seek an affirmation from your Facebook friends when you do good to others, the Father’s affirmation in heaven is all you need.
4) Don’t act mean with others
There are Christians who are mean and harsh with others on social media. Jesus says that we are the salt of the earth and that we should always be gracious in our speech with one another.
Colossians 4:5-6, “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”
5) Don’t attack others on social media
If someone posts a post, video,, or article you disagree with, never attack the person and never argue with them. Always ask them clarifying questions to get a clear perspective of what the person believes in.
You can respectfully share with them why you disagree with them and don’t continue the conversation if the person is in the mood for an argument or continues to attack you.
Our world has been forever changed by social media as we are able to broadcast our thoughts and opinion with the whole wide world. As Christians we should never forget that we are representing our savior everywhere we are, even on social media.
