As many of us well know; social media is a great way to stay connected to our friends, family, and acquaintances. Used in the right way, it can be a great asset to individuals, businesses, and churches to advertise, and reach a broader audience than the traditional method of purchasing a spot on the airwaves.
In the context of churches and world missions, social media has become a vital part of the “Media” outlet in the “Men, Media, and Materials” method of world evangelism. Its amazing that a small time, young preacher such as myself can write a blog, it post to twitter, facebook, and personal webpage, and almost 100 people will read it within a matter of minutes! That blows my mind!
However, as with everything; if used in a way that is not glorifying to the Lord, social media can be a tool used in a great way by the devil himself!
In recent weeks, I have seen first hand the dangers of social media being used in a way that is certainly not in the best interested of spreading the gospel to a lost and dying world. Whether intensions are right in the user’s heart or not, the use of social media as an outlet to blast someone, glorify some sin, or boast of one’s personal accomplishments become anti-productive in the cause of world evangelism.
For instance, I was guilty of this very thing only weeks ago. I wrote a blog that was intended as a defense for someone that I did not even know. However, the post itself was one that became wrong because I was blasting someone by doing exactly what I thought they should not. I believe whole heartily in correcting someone for sin, and wrong doing. But; Biblically, we are given guidance to go to the accused one on one if we have an ought against them. Not publish it over the social media waves for everyone to read.
Another instance is when sharing information that is not becoming of a Christian. I believe in freedom. I believe in the liberty we have in Christ, and that we are not under the bondage of law. However, there does remain certain standards that as Christians we should keep in the forefront of our minds that should not be published to others. If the Lord has brought you through a terrible time, maybe some sin from your past; share what the Lord has done for you! Just be careful not to give more attention to the sin than you do the Savior!
Lastly, it is our responsibility to share Jesus with the world! Social media is an excellent way to do this. (It shouldn’t take the place of our personal witness, however.) Sometimes, it is quite easy to desire to share a great victory, but in doing so; like the glorifying of sin, we mistakenly lift ourselves higher than the One who used us for His glory! It’s a wonderful privilege, and an honor to be used of God in any way, great or small. I would just encourage you, and me to be careful and mindful that when we share these feats with the world through social media, that we take great care to exalt the Savior and not ourselves!
This is a topic that has weighed heavy on my mind for the past few days. When we sit back and take notice, there are certainly occasions where we have all failed. I hope that this will encourage us to take more care and thought to what we allow to be streamed to such a broad audience. Exalt Jesus, show the world the gospel, give Him glory, and let the rest have it’s proper place.
Stephen Underwood
Acts 20:24
www.stephenunderwood.net
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