by Shane Carrington
Synopsis: Social and entertainment media dramatically impact our lifestyles and influence, so let us use these in discerning ways to further godliness, not worldliness.
We are bombarded, continually, with every temptation imaginable.
We do this to ourselves, daily, putting temptation directly in front of our eyes. Social media, television shows, streamed movies, etc. carry near-porn (if not worse), immoral relationships, and corrupt messages. All of these come to us via our smartphones, tablets, and televisions, and our culture loves it.
Many such outlets see themselves as important agents of change in society. In an article written called "How advertising has become an agent of social change," Charly Jaffe says:
When brands paint an inclusive picture of society, they play a role in redefining what is considered mainstream, sparking national conversations and speeding the social acceptance of marginalized groups. "TV commercials are a culturally powerful force, shaping society and giving voice to those outside the mainstream," CEO and Forbes contributor Avi Dan explained, arguing that "advertising can move public opinion faster, and farther, than any other influencing factor."
This is not just true of advertisers. Social media companies view themselves similarly. Truly, we face an uphill battle in modern culture regarding the appropriate use of media of various kinds.
Lest we think twenty-first century Americans have invented media that influence for Satan, we need only recall first-century Rome, Corinth, and Ephesus, and, even further back, Sodom and Gomorrah. References to fornication (porneia and its companion words and their coordinating influences) appear over fifty times in the New Testament. The problem is ancient, even though the medium through which we receive these influences has changed. I am aware of at least three couples whose marriages have been destroyed through illicit overtures begun with social media (specifically Facebook). The problem is ancient, but the packaging has somewhat changed. Rather than personal, face-to-face first contact, intrigue builds in cyberspace through less personal means, diminishing the intimidation and potential threat. Behind a touchscreen or keyboard, boldness replaces shyness, ultimately leading to personal meetings where inhibitions have already greatly subsided. The results are spiritually disastrous.
None of this says social media is inherently evil or corrupt. Many employ these resources to uplift, encourage, edify, and evangelize. As with any other neutral activity, social media may either be used for good or bad. Disciples of Jesus must exercise caution in avoiding the bad and fostering the good.
Jesus, the Word—through His life, teachings, and example—was a medium through whom God disseminated light, powerfully influencing the world (John 1:1-4, 14-18). God also uses the written word as a tool. "The sword of the Spirit" (Eph. 6:17) is the medium declaring His specific message for humankind so that we may genuinely know Him (John 20:30-31; 2 Tim. 3:16-17). Believers who radiate the light of Jesus, as exemplified in His life and taught in Scripture, are "the light of the world. A city set on a hill" that "cannot be hidden" (Matt. 5:14-15), shining lights whose "good works… glorify your Father who is in heaven" (Matt. 5:16). We, too, serve as media employed by God to His glory and to the enlightenment of our neighbors with whom we interact. Social media, used with discernment, can powerfully radiate His light to the world.
Limit interactions with media (including social media, television, etc.). "Estimates suggest that in 2019, U.S. adults will spend an average of three hours and thirty-five minutes watching TV each day" (Statista). That is about twenty-five hours each week. Regarding how much time the average person spends with social media, BroadbandSearch says, "We can estimate that the number has now grown to 153 minutes per day." That is two and one-half hours daily. Three hours and thirty-five minutes of television plus two and one-half hours of social media equal about six hours of each day spent with electronic media. The average person sleeps and works about eight hours per day—only two hours more each than spent using media! So far, twenty-two hours of our day are consumed by media (6 hours), work (8 hours), and sleep (8 hours). That only leaves two hours for everything else! Budgeting time spent with social media needs to be a priority. "Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil" (Eph. 5:15-16).
Exercise caution in the kinds of things consumed. Beware of "clickbait." Like the teaser on the nightly news designed to keep you watching through the commercials to the story ("You don't want to miss this!"), website designers and social media magnets spend millions of dollars annually for research and development on ways to entice us to click on their stories. Yet, one bad click on a website can lead you down the rabbit hole of temptation. If the title sounds salacious or the picture appears seductive, pass it by. Only click on stories and images that seem harmless. This will not alleviate every temptation, but it will reduce the number of bad clicks. "Examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil" (1 Thess. 5:21-22).
Specifically, use media to uplift, instruct, and encourage. Taking a positive approach diminishes the negative. "You are the light of the world… Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven" (Matt. 5:14, 16).
Many disciples use the internet, social media, and other forms of mass communication in godly, productive ways.
For many of our neighbors, congregational websites are the first contact non-Christians will have with the gospel. "97% of people learn more about a local company via the internet" (SEO Tribunal). While congregations are certainly not "local companies," our neighbors will investigate us the same way they do everything else: internet research. Having an informative, easily navigable website can be a powerful tool to teach our neighbors, perhaps leading them to call, email, or visit our assemblies. Congregations can also use social media to teach, inform, invite, and encourage. The most effective means of reaching the lost is personal contact, but websites and social media can be means through which we might contact people who otherwise might remain uninformed about our existence.
Personal use of social media provides powerful opportunities for us to impact our neighbors, both Christian and non-Christian. Avoid "Liking" and "Sharing" things that are coarse or worse. Avoid unseemly self-promotion. Others seldom (or never) enjoy our eloquence about how great we are to the level that we do. Instead, say kind words, show genuine interest in others, encourage or cite Scripture, invite others to study and worship. Be the godly, loving neighbor on social media that you strive to be in personal interactions. Social media is powerful for good if we so use it. "Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person" (Col. 4:5-6).
We are continually bombarded. Worldly things can and do distract and dissuade us from the desire we claim and the destiny we anticipate. The devil powerfully uses modern media to our detriment and destruction—if we allow him to do so.
Turn the tables on Satan by refusing to participate in activities that would tempt us and damage our influence on others for Christ. Instead, let us use media to shine God's light to those so desperately in need. Our culture needs light and longs for light. Remember, "You are the light of the world…." (Matt. 5:14).
"Average Time Spent Daily on Social Media (with 2019 Data)." BroadbandSearch. https://www.broadbandsearch.net/blog/average-daily-time-on-social-media#post-navigation-1.
"Daily time spent watching TV per capita in the United States from 2014 to 2021." Statista. https://www.statista.com/statistics/186833/average-television-use-per-person-in-the-us-since-2002.
Jaffe, Charly. "How advertising has become an agent of social change." Medium. Feb 10, 2015. https://medium.com/@moonstorming/how-advertising-has-become-an-agent-of-social-change-148aa0ef303a.
"Local SEO Facts." SEO Tribunal. https://seotribunal.com/blog/stats-to-understand-seo/#local-seo-facts.
Author Bio: Shane has worked with Southside church of Christ in Sulphur Springs, TX for twenty-one years. He and his wife, Kelly, have two children. The church website is churchofchristss.com. He can be reached at bshanec@mac.com.
