Do I Have to Act and Speak Like a Christian Even on Social Media?

You could Google up a hundred articles on Christians using social media, all directly pointing to the need to be responsible in their speech, to be courteous, to not gossip, to not slander, and to understand that they are just as responsible for their mouth on social media, as they are in person. The platform with which we speak does not change the fact we are still biblically responsible to watch the door of our lips. (Psalm 141:3; Proverbs 18:21; James 3:9-10, ESV)

See, as followers of Christ we are responsible for our behavior, and there should be absolutely no distinction between the expectation of our character online versus the expectation of our character inperson. For some reason, when it comes to the digital media realm, the lack of personal presence seems to easily draw out of us the ability to respond in ways we would otherwise potentially question in person.

Now, we have to be honest with ourselves that the existence of professed believers who misuse speech, especially digitally, to tear down instead of lift up is a real presence. In the same shake, however, we must acknowledge that what scripture teaches, is that using that type of speech contradicts what we are called to be as followers of Christ.

This article, while understanding misused speech exists, seeks to press on a nerve that coincides with the existence of unbiblical speech. That nerve is the approval and support of this type of misuse.

It’s Just a Click; Likes, Hearts, and Angry Faces

Oh, how we love to click things, to smash that “like” and “love” button, and let’s be honest, to blindly accept things, at times, without giving it its due diligence and proper reflection.

See, as followers of Christ, we must ALWAYS have our eyes set on truth. The Bible says God’s Word is truth: “The sum of your word is truth,” (Psalm 119:160, ESV). It is also clear that as the living, incarnate Word of God—Jesus Christ is truth (John 1:14, 17; John 6:32, John 14:6 ESV).

So, here we see a fact that needs to be recognized. As followers of Christ, we must see that the truth of Christ, the truth of the Word, is our marker and we have the responsibility to adhere to and communicate it as truthfully as possible. Now, there is a moment of realism here that needs to also be acknowledged and that is the fact that our interactions on social media are often influenced by the excitement of seeing what we love, and this is ok, as we should be excited by the love and truth of Christ. However, what can happen is that we see something that appears Christian, uses the “lingo”, or seems to be a biblical verse used to make a point, and then with perhaps a little carelessness, we click that button to like or share something that maybe is not actually grounded in truth.

Maybe, just maybe, what happens is that we on some level agree. Perhaps we are angry, maybe we are upset, maybe we are just excited, in typical fashion, through some sense of emotional response. The question is though, are we checking that personal emotion at the door and looking for the truth? Before we slowly, ok quickly, bring our finger up to mash that like button, are we putting it against the truth of God’s Word, are we putting it against the backdrop of the cross. Can we sacrifice our immediate need to respond with emotion and instead pause to reflect, to look at the truth of what is being portrayed in the message at hand?

See, we often think, “what’s the harm?” Or “It’s just a click”, but we have to understand that as we like something, as we support something, maybe even as we drop an angry face and disagree, what are we in fact doing? We are lending our support, approval, or lack of, to something that maybe we have only passed through the filter of my own understanding and not through the perfect filter of God’s truth, and while it may seem harmless to hit that little heart or thumbs up, we are in fact possibly giving weight to an untruth.

Areas of (Example)

We see this in many ways in this day and age. Maybe it's as simple as just complaints, concerns, gossip, or hearsay about someone, something, or someplace, I mean you can throw that proverbial dart in any direction and see this, even amongst professed Christians. The question is, are we looking to scriptural truth such as Proverbs 16:28; 2 Timothy 2:16; James 3, or even one of my personal favorites that discusses speech as one of the aspects that changes in us as we are changed by the Holy Spirit, Ephesians 4:29? Are we focused on an understanding that a push of the finger is the same as it is passing from our lips?

Maybe our eyes fall upon that one-liner bible text that someone decides to post out of context. Perhaps you’ve seen a post containing some fashion or form of physical prowess and the words “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). That visual of some utilization of this text to somehow say “you too can achieve the goals you want”! Not realizing that the context of that verse, the truth of that scripture, is Paul writing from prison; not with some promise that you will achieve something you desire, but an assurance that Christ will be with you through all that life throws your way. It’s not about meeting a goal; it's about being strengthened by Christ in all the hardships and moments of prosperity that a follower of Christ will encounter on their journey as they press closer to Him.

How about the text “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” Matthew 18:20, ESV. This text that is often used to talk about that desire for intimacy and closeness in the church. One that can lead to varying negative discussions on the church or aspects of the church. But what if instead of just clicking the like button, we looked at the truth of this scripture? A truth that sits smack dab in the middle of not how “cozy” church should be for you, but instead centered in the discussion of how to deal with a wayward sinner. In fact, in Matthew 18:16, just before this, we see how when approaching a wayward brother or sister, the second step (after one-on-one), is to take a couple of people with you to reach this person. So, the truth of this scripture is that as a couple people engage this wayward brother or sister, “where two or three are gathered”, as they call out sin in the church, they are not alone, Christ is very much with them. A stark difference when used in truth.

See, social media can be an absolutely amazing tool, it can be fun and engaging, but amid the ease this brings to our lives we mustn’t forget the truth. As followers of Christ this digital outlet is as vital for our proper, biblical communication as our own mouths. So, use social media, be friendly, be loving, encourage others, but hold fast to the truth. If you are unsure, just give pause to the situation and don’t just respond to respond, don’t just like to like. Take that small breath, do your best to “watch the door of your lips”, and ask yourself, “am I presenting the truth of God’s Word?” “Am I uplifting the action of love and truth?”

While this all may seem trivial, scripture is clear; “From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.” James 3:10, ESV. Perhaps if we would simply caution ourselves to pause and seek truth, be a little slower to comment, a little slower to click those tiny support emojis, maybe we could prevent many hurtful and divisive situations that tend to spring up online and begin to foster the type of love and language we should be known by, yes, even online.

Be Absolutely His,

Pastor Matthew Hippely