The Gospel of Social Media





Introduction

        Over the last decade many people have become “more religious”. And by doing so they love to express it all over social media. But is this really what God is looking for in one of His children? Are we furthering the gospel or becoming victims of another one of Satan’s devices (2 Cor. 2:11)?


 Super Information Highway

        The internet is one of the greatest inventions of the late 20th Century. Information, Friends, and Family at your fingertips. See pictures of your newborn grandchild just moments after they are born or see your favorite band perform live on the other side of the planet! With this kind of technology, it also cuts research time in half.

        Of course, the World Wide Web has its dark side. Pornography, gambling, and unsavory dating sites are capturing people’s attention; as well as their souls. Another problem is that it eats up your time faster than any other activity out there. One minute your checking your e-mail and three hours have passed after you find out that your favorite online store is having a clearance sale.



Click ‘Like’ and Share

        The main focal points on the internet are websites known as Social Media. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pintrest, and SnapChat just to name a few have become an obsession for the younger generation. This is where “Christians” can post memes of heartfelt sayings about Jesus and the bible then encourage people to click the ‘Like’ button, type ‘Amen’, and then share with other people.

        Some people might ask, “Where’s the harm in this?” No harm really until it becomes a demand for those who follow you. What I mean by this is that some of these memes say things like, “Share if you love Jesus. Scroll pass if you hate him.” Really? Is Jesus going to confront us on the Day of Judgment and say, “So, I see you scrolled past a meme that says ‘Share if you love me.’ I’m sorry to say this, but you’re going to hell!” Absolutely not!!

        If the decision of going to Heaven or Hell rested on whether we shared a meme or not, most of us would be bound for Hell. These types of memes are Guilt-laden statements that want you to feel bad for not giving a ‘Like’ or sharing it. This is the handy device of the devil as now people are conflicted as to whether they should share it or just scroll past. If you didn’t fall for the chain letter in the 70s or the chain e-mail in the 90s, why are you falling for these? Most of the times those who post these memes don’t even give it a second thought; they just post it as, to them, it speaks volumes about their beliefs in God.




Let your Light Shine

        In Mt. 5:16 Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” One of the best ways we can prove we are Christians is simply the way we live our lives. The way we walk, talk, and react to one another and situations as they come up. The light that shines in our lives is a reflection of God’s light through His Son who is the Light of the World (Jn. 8:12)

        You don’t need to allow memes to prove to others that you are a Christian; talk to people. Share your favorite bible verses online (even in a meme), talk about a passage you read recently that made you see things differently. But above all, don’t make people share it or tell them to type, ‘Amen’ or click ‘Like’. If the post you shared is worthy enough, people will share it on their own. They might also respond to it with a comment and you might be able to get a dialog going. That is sharing the gospel! As Paul wrote in Rom. 10:17, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”




Conclusion

        The internet and Social Media can be a great evangelistic tool as long as it is used to further the gospel. Creating ‘click bait’ to make people feel guilty about not sharing something is a sure way to fall victim to the devil. Use your best judgment in regards to your posts. Find a way to share the gospel and let your shine!

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