A Few Challenges Social Media Presents to Our Faith

Fellow Believers in Christ,

Today we are able to reach out and touch anyone regardless of where they are in the world thanks to modern technology. This is good when we reach out to that long last friend or family member or use it to keep up with loved ones spread across the country or perhaps in some other country. However wonderful this technology is it comes with flaws and challenges that test our faith as Christians. Paul reminds us in Romans 12:1-2 that the way we live our lives is the way we worship God. Therefore it is important to consider our actions in a technologically advanced society and the impact that they will have on those that receive them. Will they know that God lives in us by what we post, tweet, or share with others?

Jesus cautioned of two shortfalls He noticed in His society that are still ones that will trip us up in the modern technology age.

1. When giving to the needy we must not flaunt all the gifts of time or financial gifts that we give to the poor. Instead we are to give without seeking notice (Matthew 6:2-4) and praise from those around us. It is God that gets the glory and not us. Modern day social media makes it so very easy to say look at me and notice what I have done. This attitude leads us to start thinking of others not as good as ourselves, which is a very dangerous place to be when trying to live our lives in worship to God.
2. Proverbs reminds us that gossip can destroy confidence between someone you once trusted (Proverbs 11:13) and can destroy friendships (Proverbs 16:28). The technology we have today allows us to fire off our thoughts immediately as we press send which is not always the best course of action. I have done this before and then regretted what I wrote and how I said it. Using our words to gossip about others does not permit us to tell others God's story.

The question I was faced with this week as I Romans 12:1-2 was this: Am I living a life that daily honors God and does all that I do worship Him? If it does not I need to change my life so it does honor God daily.

I leave you with Paul's words found in Romans 12:1-2 (NIV 2010) to read and reflect on. I hope that they move you this week like they have me.

Romans 12:1-2 (NIV 2010)

¹ And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. ² Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Your Brother in Christ,
Mike