In a discussion with some friends about social media, one of them recently wrote, “It’s so difficult to wade through social media attacks and gang wars. That’s why I can’t bear to be on social media.” I totally understand. Nothing makes me more cynical than listening to cynical people, and even though my cynicism is directed at them, it is still unhealthy. 

In this article, Daniel Darling addresses a temptation we as believers can often face on social media: “I’m a good person. I’m on the right side of all the right issues. And I’m here to publicly declare this to those not as good as me.”

God says, “The tongue has the power of life and death” (Proverbs 18:21). Take a look through your Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter feed, and you’ll see that we as God’s people need discipleship to develop more godly technology habits. That’s why I so appreciated an episode of Ask Pastor John titled, “Before You Tweet Criticism: Six Considerations.”

I’m posting this recent interaction from my Facebook page for two reasons: first, the value of the interaction itself, which consisted of an honest question and good responses to it; second, for the model this is for the kinds of interactions we should be experiencing online. 

Thomas Kidd recently shared these “8 rules of social media wisdom” from Alan Jacobs. May we all take them to heart and be “quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger” (James 1:19). 

How do we, as believers in Christ, love each other well on social media? Yes, the writer of the post has a lot of responsibility, but remember, as you’re scrolling through the endless library of social media feeds, you, the reader, also have a responsibility. Here are three things to consider as you’re browsing. 

Three years ago we shared the original version of my daughter Angela’s article on social media, and it was one of the most popular posts we’ve ever had. She’s since revised and expanded her post into a two-part series. Since the expanded version is every bit as relevant and helpful as the original, I wanted to share it with you. In part one, Angie encourages us to stop and think about what we’re posting on social media.

In April 2017, Randy Alcorn taught a course at Veritas Evangelical Seminary on the subject of sexual purity. In this clip, he talks about a test we can take to help guard what we watch on television, movies, social media, etc. 

God holds us accountable for every word we say, including the careless ones we share over the internet. Jesus said, “But I tell you that men will have to give account on the Day of Judgment for every careless word they have spoken” (Matthew 12:36). This means we better think carefully before we hit post or reply.