The Christian and Social Media

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The Christian and Social Media

Sermon by  Thomas Thornhill Jr

Passage: Philippians 2:15


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NOTE: Because of the past week’s activities, there is no pre-recorded copy of this lesson (no video or audio).  I will attempt to present the live audio after the lesson is presented on Sunday.

 

We are living in the electronic age.  Virtually everyone is “online” in one form or another.  It may as simple as a cell phone with data (something more than phone calls), but for most it is computers or portable computing devices.

The electronic age can be a spiritual blessing.  During the Covid pandemic a few years back it became an invaluable source for us to keep in touch, even spiritually.  And since then there have been tremendous advancements in our cyber communication.  Much good has been accomplished because of the internet and social media.  BUT there has also been considerable evil and sinful conduct.

As Christians, we are reminded that we are to be examples everywhere and at all times.  This includes when we are “online”.  So, with that in mind, today I would like to remind us of some thoughts about social media.

  1. Facts about social media
    1. What is social media? It is creating social interaction through electronic means, especially the internet. It is online networking.
    2. Social media is here to stay.
      1. According to Statista.com[1] in 2023, there were about 5 billion social media users worldwide (about 2/3 of world population). 2023, Meta platforms which owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, generated more than $134 billion US dollars in annual revenue. Facebook in 2024 (its 20th anniversary), had over 3 billion active users.
      2. In the United States the number of social media users was more than 304 million[2] (The US population is ~340 million) which is about 89%. TikTok in 2023 generated around 232 million downloads around the world.  It is the popular platform for Gen-Z (those born between 1996 and 2012), the generation that was raised in a digital world.   IN 2023, US internet users spent over 7 hours daily viewing online, with 4 ½ hours viewing video content (including television).  Almost 2 hours, 24 minutes spent on social media.
      3. According to the American Psychological Association[3], 41% of teens with the highest social media use had mental health rated as poor or very poor. This is compared to 23% among those with the lowest usage.
    3. Social media is here to stay, at least for the foreseeable future. It is a part of the world we are in.  You can choose to ignore it, but it is having an impact, for good or bad, depending on how it is being used.
    4. Social media is morally neutral. As with so many things about life (like money), it is neither good nor evil.  It depends on how it is used.  And that is why we ought to consider what the Bible has to say about social media.
    5. Being such an integral part of our society, as Christians we need to be thinking about our usage. In fact, I believe it is something we NEED to be using, to a degree.  There are many good things that can come from it – inviting friends to events such as gospel meetings, specialized studies or even our assemblies; sharing your faith with others (share a link to a sermon on our Facebook or YouTube page – our social media outlets), keeping up with members and others and encouraging them, etc.
  2. Concerns with Social Media
    1. Is what you are seeing and sharing true? As Christians, truth is foundational to our lives.  There is THE TRUTH (John 14:6, 8:32, 17:17, etc.), but there is also the need to be truthful.  Ephesians 4:25, Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another.   We need to be ACUTELY aware that not everything presented on the internet and social media is true.  Before we post anything, we need to verify its accuracy, or we may be guilty of forwarding lies and distortions of truth.
    2. What is shared is permanent. Once you have shared something, it is there.  Even if you delete it, it is likely someone has seen it and they might remember it.  Information in the wrong hands can be used against you.
    3. It can have an effect on one’s mental health. As noted in our statistics, heavy social media and internet users are almost twice as likely to have mental health issues.
      1. Low self-esteem and confidence – comparing themselves to others.
      2. It can lead to depression – again realizing where you are compared to others
      3. It can lead to envy, jealousy, bitterness and other ungodly attitudes.
      4. It can become addictive behavior
      5. It does not solve social problems like loneliness.
    4. It can be a huge waste of time. Recall Ephesians 5:15-16 – we are called upon to redeem our time.  The emphasis of Paul is that we ought to be devoting considerable time to strengthening ourselves spiritually.  It is LIKELY that our time on social media is not doing that (though it is possible that it can – but that depends on how you are using it).
    5. IS it reflecting the real you? For many, what is posted on social media is designed to inflate one’s ego. Many typically ONLY show the side of them they want others to see.  Often times it is a façade.  This is one of the greatest concerns with social media.  It is a platform for those craving attention and to get MORE attention, sometimes one will act with extremes just to get more likes and views.
      Some post what I call “bully messages” – they post something that they compel you to like and share, and if you don’t… (you don’t care about others, you don’t love God, you are not really their friend, etc.).
    6. It is reflecting the real you. What we post shows where we are going, when you are there, what our interests are, how we dress, who we prefer to associate with, how you talk (do you use abbreviations that you should not – e.g., OMG), if you are honest and thoughtful toward others, WHAT is most important to you (is God first? Or politics or sports or entertainment, etc.? IF you are not genuine, that is the real you.   And people that DO know you will see that.
    7. It can remove personal interactions – We have a problem in our society directly linked to social media and the internet – people do not associate with others the way we used to.
      1. The Bible gives examples of teaching always involved people communicating with each other. While good can come from sm because of some situation where you cannot be with someone, often we use it in place of a face-to-face meeting.
      2. Consider, in addition to the commands to share the gospel (Mark 16:15, Matthew 28:19-20, 1 Peter 3:15, etc.), we find that EVERY example of conversion involved someone taking time to teach someone else. EVEN where miracles and the Holy Spirit were involved (e.g., Acts 10 & 2), it was still a man teaching others.
      3. 2 John 12, Having many things to write to you, I did not wish to do so with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.
    8. IT can be an addictive behavior. There are 2 types addictions – substance (drugs & alcohol, smoking, etc.) and behavior.  This can be a behavioral addiction – like gambling, television, internet behaviors, video gaming, etc.  Sources show that both are equally concerning.  While substance addictions affect one’s physical functions more, behavioral addictions affect one’s mental health more.  But ANY addiction has an impact on every aspect of our lives.  SM can become a behavior addiction.   Recall Paul’s warning in 1 Corinthians 6:12 notes, All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.  1 Cor. 10:23.
  3. The Bible and our online conduct
    1. You are to be an example. Remember Matthew 5:13-16 – you are the salt of the world and the light of the world.  The entire premise of this lesson is to remind us that we are to be examples in every area of our lives.   Philippians 2:14-16 reminds us that we are to shine as lights in the midst of this crooked and perverse generation.
    2. SM is just as much communication as if you were talking to someone face to face. In fact, as we have noted, it has an even greater range of concern.
      1. Jesus in Matthew 15:17-20 noted that what proceeds out of our mouth is a reflection of our heart. He also said, A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.  But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.  Matthew 12:35-36.
      2. Remember Colossians 4:6, Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
    3. Before I share or consider something, I need to take the time to verify. James 1:19 – be swift to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger. 1 Peter 3:10 notes, For “He who would love life And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit.
    4. Am I being kind? Often what is posted, especially today is harsh and even cruel.  Even if something is true, does it really need to be shared?  Christians are to be kind – Colossians 3:12, Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;… 1 Corinthians 13:4 – love suffers long and is kind.  IS what I am sharing gossip? A perverse man sows strife, And a whisperer separates the best of friends.
    5. Remember the “golden rule” before you post or share. Matthew 7:12. If the situation were reversed, would you want others sharing what you are posting about you?

These are a few thoughts about the Christian and social media.  As noted at the beginning, it is here to stay, BUT what we do with it is within our control.   We can use the blessings of our time for good, or to do harm to the cause of Christ.

The world often uses this tool in ungodly ways. Let us resolve that we are not going to be part of that (cf. 2 Corinthians 6:17).  Are you letting your light shine in this dark world? Think about it!

[1] Social Media – statistics & facts.  Pub. July 16, 2024.  https://www.statista.com/topics/1164/social-networks/#topicOverview .  Viewed 4/3/2025

[2] Number of social media users in the US.  Pub. 12/12/2024.  https://www.statista.com/statistics/278409/number-of-social-network-users-in-the-united-states/  Viewed 4/3/2025

[3] American Psychological Association (created 4/1/2024) https://www.apa.org/monitor/2024/04/teen-social-use-mental-health.  Viewed 4/3/2025

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