Social Media And The Christian
Southaven, MS
By: Mike Upchurch
Well, I suppose it’s time to rant a bit concerning some social media posts I see now and then.
If you had an acquaintance who professed to be an avid deer hunter, wouldn’t you expect to see affirmation of that in his life? Wouldn’t you expect to go on his Facebook wall and see proof of that fact? He might be clad in camo on his profile pic. You might see photos of an 8 point deer he scored. Maybe he’s the proud Dad kneeling with his kid and their first kill. You might see videos of him in a deer stand. Wouldn’t his Facebook life reflect his passion? Of course it would!
So….if someone professes to be a Christian, wouldn’t evidence of that show up on their social media posts?
What if you clicked on the wall of your “hunter friend” and saw PETA links, or posts proclaiming that he’s a vegan! What if his posts totally contradicted the “hunter” lifestyle, but instead show liberal views of gun control and the horrors of hunting! Would you question his claims of being a pro-gun deep-woods man? Of course you would!
So, why do we log on and see profanity and sexual innuendo on the posts of some people claiming to be Christians? Why do we see links to trash? If you’re a Christian, your life should reflect Christ!
In chapter 4 of the book of Ephesians, as Paul explained the role of the fivefold ministry, he affirmed that we are to be like Christ!
“but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ,”Ephesians 4:15
And Peter reminds us we are called to be holy…
“As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, “YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY.””1 Peter 1:14-16
You might say, “Pastor Mike, no one appointed you judge over me…what gives you the right to judge me?”
Actually, the scriptures teach otherwise. We are to make disciples (followers of Christ) of all the Nations, teaching them to observe all that He commanded us. (Matthew 28:19,20). And Paul had some fairly stern words regarding so called Christians who are living lives that reflect otherwise…..
“I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people; I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world, or with the covetous and swindlers, or with idolaters, for then you would have to go out of the world. But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler-not even to eat with such a one. For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church? But those who are outside, God judges. REMOVE THE WICKED MAN FROM AMONG YOURSELVES.”1 Corinthians 5:9-13
The overall point remains, if you’re a Christian then let your social media life REFLECT Christ! No you don’t have to make every post about the Lord. But the quality of your posts should be moral and certainly not offensive. I post often about racing and other passions or hobbies I have, and not every post mentions the Lord in social media, but I strive to make sure my posts are wholesome and reflect someone who’s living their life in love with Him!
Let your social media likes, links, and posts reflect the love and mercy God has shown you! And when you do post something vulgar, you should not be making excuses such as “I know I fail, but God’s not done with me yet” or “He understands I’m just a man, and He doesn’t mind”. If you’re degrading women and promoting sexual immorality He DOES mind. Remember He said to be holy!.
Remember too, that you’re a REDEEMED MAN! You’re no longer the old man! You have changed! You’re set free from the former life! The old man might post offensive pics or jokes, but not YOU!
Post like you’ve been purchased with His death.Because you have been!
And that’s the way I see it!
Pastor Mike
