As the popularity of social networks continues to grow, I have noticed that more believers are misusing them in a way that brings dishonor to God and disunity within the church. I am not writing this to “reprimand” or bring attention to those who I feel are doing this. My goal is to provide some thoughts on how believers can use these social networks as a tool to reach people with the Gospel, glorify God, and promote unity with other believers. Here are the 5 major ways Christians misuse social networks:
1. Highlight the Negatives – In Matthew 5:14, we are called the “light of the world.” In this, it is meant that we are to be a testimony of the hope we have in Jesus Christ through salvation. Most of the time Christians promote discontent and disaster instead.
2. Promote Sin – Earlier in Matthew 5, we are also called the “salt of the earth” in verse 13. This is a command to perserve righteousness in this world. We are to promote the things of God and honor Him with our lives. However, most of the time Christians use social networks to promote sin and other things that are not of God. (i.e. bitterness, hatred, discontent, frustration, sex, etc.)
3. Confront Others – There is nothing worse that a Christian can do than confront someone publicly over a social network for all to see. It’s embarrassing, decisive, and sinful. Matthew 18:15 tells us to go directly to the person who has offended us and confront them in private. Social networks are never the place for this.
4. Tear Down Others – Christians, just like anybody else, can be extremely mean at times. Often times social networks are used as an outlet to tear others down. However, social networks should be used to build each other up. (1 Thess. 5:11)
5. Have Theological Debates – Social networks have been used by Christians to debate or promote a controversial theology in hopes to spark debate. This is not the place for such a debate because it is very easy to be misunderstood and can become personally offensive quickly. Theological discussion should always end in unity whether or not it ends in agreement. (Romans 12:5)
