1. All People Are Made In God’s Image
James 3:8-9 says, ”...no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. We praise our Lord and Father with it, and we curse men who are made in God’s likeness with it.” It is okay to be upset over injustice. It is right to be grieved by immorality. It’s logical to weep over the destination of mankind apart from Christ. But when you read a post that makes you angry or you read an article online that drives your desire to respond publicly, please don't forget that your words will be directed toward people that God loves and created. Don’t lose sight of the fact that you are an ambassador of Christ, and He has been incredibly patient with you, too.
2. Ask If You Should Post At All
This year will present untold opportunities to spew hatred about anyone and everyone as the election inches closer. Don’t fall for it. Hatred is not how the Holy Spirit works in your life. True, it is hard to resist the temptation to unload on Facebook, but that vein popping out of your neck makes me think that what you’re feeling may not be righteous anger welling up in you. If it is, it will be accompanied by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control.
"That vein popping out of your neck makes me think that what you’re feeling may not be righteous anger welling up in you."
3. Are You Venting to the World What You Should Be Venting to God?
God can handle anything you throw at him. People can’t. Jesus wants to be your refuge–your place to go when you are scared, angry, frustrated, or just flat-out crazy. Social media can be an easy tool to express sadness or exasperation, but the effects wear off quickly. Go to The Helper. He wants to be strong for you. Psalm 18:1-2 says, "I love You, Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my mountain where I seek refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."
4. Share With Wisdom and Discernment
James 3:17-18 states, "But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without favoritism and hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who cultivate peace.” If you’re about to retweet some wisdom on the masses, it better live up to this litmus test. Otherwise it is probably, "earthly, unspiritual, [and] demonic” as James 3:15 describes. Christians do have an obligation to speak on behalf of Christ. But let's choose words that bring life and inspire Christians and non-Christians to love God instead of feeding fruitless arguments.
5. Let Your Light Shine, Not Your Sarcasm
In the sermon on the mount, Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven."
The world needs Christ in you. Your neighbor needs Christ in you. Now more than ever, your voice can be magnified to bring the hope of Christ online. This year, don’t waste the tool of social media on complaining and arguing. Use it for God’s glory and loving others.