photo_0153342000qlhmgmSocial media has shown itself to be a convenient way to communicate and keep up with family and friends. Facebook is perhaps the most popular, or at least used to be. It provides us the ability to keep “followers” up to date with our latest interests and activities. There is immense potential for good to be accomplished on social media sites, and many take advantage of this. Scriptures are posted, spiritual discussions are had, prayer requests are made, sermons and articles are posted, and Christians can keep up with each other. However, as with anything social media can become a distraction, and can develop bad habits.

When Facebook, or some other social media site, asks, “What’s on your mind?” we need to take a few seconds to actually consider the question. There is nothing wrong with sharing our interests, and hobbies with others on the internet. However, there is a real danger of becoming enveloped in these secular matters, or at least appearing to be. Yes, it matters what others think of us Christians. Jesus put it this way, “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:13-16). I am afraid the biggest threat to a Christian can be something that is actually a freedom under Christ. Freedoms, or matters of indifference, are not matters of substance – “Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil; for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:16-17). While we should be able to enjoy these secular things, and share them with others, they should not define us. However, if I were not already aware of the spiritual values of some of my Facebook friends, I would be inclined to think they were concerned more with secular matters than with the substantial spiritual matters.

The following are a few topics which appear on my Facebook “news feed” nearly every day. They are things which I think can become a severe distraction if we are not careful. (Keep in mind I do not believe these things are inherently sinful. In fact, I myself post about them, or have posted about them every once in a while. The real problem is allowing ourselves to be defined by these things, and not by our Christian values.):

  • Politics: It is important for a Christian to keep up with the direction of our nation. As citizens, we have the responsibility to contribute in any way we can. This includes voting, and standing up for the truth when political matters contradict (cf. Jude 3). However, when a Christian becomes more zealous for the Republican stance on political matters than he or she does for the message of the cross there is a problem. I am afraid some tend to share more of their political positions than the truth. There is also a real danger to compromising the fruit of the Spirit when political debates arise. Are we being careful to maintain “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, [and] self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23)?
  • Physical fitness and nutrition: I myself am a proponent of physical well-being. (At least I try to be, but junk food is so good!) Yet, I am reminded of the inspired words, “bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come” (1 Timothy 4:8). There is nothing wrong with eating healthy, and nothing wrong with keeping in shape. Some have even been successful in making a living by promoting such a lifestyle. Nevertheless, we must continue to keep in mind our true purpose. It is folly to make physical fitness and nutrition our main focus in this life. Paul wrote, “Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16). Physical fitness and nutrition are good in moderation, but are you exercising and feeding the spiritual man?
  • Entertainment: This is perhaps the largest threat. Social media is a form of entertainment which many spend too much time with. It is also an area where people can express their interests in the latest forms of entertainment. What is the latest movie, television show, funny video, book, or song? These things are often shared and discussed. Not only is there a danger in being seen as a materialistic, carnal individual, but also in intentionally, or unintentionally, advocating ungodly behavior. When you want to share something make sure you run it through some tests. Does it have bad language, crude humor, immodesty, blasphemy, etc.? Is the post, although harmless, linked to a Facebook account that promotes any of these things? If the answer is yes, DON’T SHARE OR POST IT! A user can also “like” or comment on different pages and posts. Your “likes” and comments are seldom private. I am appalled by some of the pictures, posts, videos, and pages I have seen Christians “like” or comment on. We are to be those who value, and meditate on “whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, [anything of] virtue and…anything praiseworthy” (Philippians 4:8). Does your Facebook account exhibit such interests?

It would be prudent for each of us to log on to our accounts and examine our “profiles.” It may be on the internet, and seem insignificant, but it is a legitimate form of communication. What you say, do, and advocate on your social media accounts can either harm or help your reputation, and influence with others. Next time you log on and Facebook asks, “What’s on your mind?” give it some serious thought.