Back in the dark ages when I joined Facebook on my computer in 2009, it was a fun place to go. There were few pictures and they loaded slowly. Mostly, you just found out about what your friends were doing and enjoyed your comedic friends. There were even fewer videos. I don’t even recall ads. Since then, it has all changed. The software engineers have put in algorithms to show us what they want us to see, not necessarily what we want to see. There’s also much more advertising and there are hate groups and evil people spreading inappropriate things.
What should I consider when sharing?
There are a number of Christian principles and morals to consider when we share things on social media even when they are true. Rumors and untruths are shared on a daily basis there and we should not be a part of it. But, how does one know what is OK to share and what is not OK? Let’s start with the biblical measure for everything we consume:
“Finally, brethren, 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, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” Philippians 4:8 NKJV
Is the article you are about to share true? Is it noble? Is it just? Is it pure? Is it lovely? Is it, or the person it is about, of good report? Is there virtue in it? Is there anything praiseworthy in it? If it doesn’t meet these criteria, should you as a Christian share it? Paul seems very clear on this. Things we promote need to have these attributes and if they do not, we should not share them.
“You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” Exodus 20:16 NKJV
Do you know for a certainty that what you are about to share is true? If it is not true and you share it anyway, this is one more way in the 21st century of breaking one of the 10 commandments. If what you are sharing is not true, you are spreading lies and rumors. This is not something we as Christians should be involved in.
“Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy.” Proverbs 12:20 NIV
Here is yet another principle and a promise. Those who plot evil are deceivers. Obviously, they are going to lie. They would not get very far if they were truthful. However, if we promote peace, we will have joy. You really cannot go wrong promoting and sharing peaceful topics on social media and the Bible says you will have joy in doing so.
“Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-6 NKJV
There are many stories and videos promoted on social media and social media makes money sucking you into watching as many as possible. I can think of a lot of links I see shared which promote envy, rudeness, selfishness, and evil. Only rare ones are rejoicing in pure truth. How would this measure the last post you shared?
Are you feeling stressed? Consider your own media habits and consider following these principles. Apply these principles not just to what you share, but also to what you consume. Spend time with your Lord daily. Spend more time with Him than you do on social media. I guarantee you will find more peace following these principles.
And make sure you share my article! 😉
If you missed my last article, it was about how to differentiate truth from falsehood. Read it here.
