The Do’s and Don’ts of Social Media

1. Don’t support or encourage ungodly behavior (Ephesians 5:6-11) – Find out what God’s Word teaches about our culture’s hot-button topics before you align yourself with any current events or trending issues.
2. Don’t condemn behavior that the culture widely accepts or even celebrates (Acts 19:37) – Don’t “culture bash.” Because social media includes both Christians and non-Christians, it’s far better to remain silent on an issue than to close the ears of the lost to the message of Jesus. Christians can – and should – work for change in real life, but it’s too polarizing for social media. (For more on this topic, see “Should Christians Judge the World?”)
3. Don’t post anything that is likely to start an argument (2 Timothy 2:23-24) – Think about potential results before you post. Avoid needless arguments by steering clear of politics and other combustible topics. Don’t antagonize or alienate.
4. Don’t talk negatively about the church or other Christians (1 Corinthians 6:1-6) – Don’t air the church’s arguments or dirty laundry in public. These conversations should take place within the context of the church.
5. Don’t argue with other Christians (Romans 14:1) – We aren’t likely to solve any Christian debates like that between pre- or post-millennialism or the role of women in ministry. These public arguments only highlight division in the church. Save these discussions for a Christian context.
6. Don’t display ungodly characteristics in your interaction (Ephesians 4:25-32) – People say things on social media they’d never say face-to-face. Even Christians often display anger, gossip, complaints, and disrespect. We argue with people we don’t even know. Let’s be better than that. Don’t take the bait tossed out. Don’t respond to negative comments. If one of your posts unexpectantly generates negative interaction, delete it!
7. Don’t be annoying – Okay, I admit, this last one may not be directly based on a biblical principle, just common sense and curtesy. Don’t post something “cryptic” or vague like “Please pray for me! Something terrible has happened!” or “This is the worst day of my life.” Either give a basic explanation or call your best friend instead. Don’t make liking or sharing a test of faith. For instance, “If you love Jesus you will…” Don’t mass tag people or do huge group messages. And, don’t add people to a group without permission.
   Woman with phone on twitter
   7 Do’s for the Christian on Social Media
8. Do glorify Jesus (1 Corinthians 10:31) – The world is a dark place. Let’s be a light in the darkness.
9. Do model a godly lifestyle (1 Peter 2:11-12) – Non-Christians regularly cite hypocrisy among Christians as the main reason for rejecting Christianity. But, when Christians refuse to conform to the world, people notice. A Christ-like life points people to Jesus and causes them to glorify God.
10. Do save potentially divisive conversations for real life (Colossians 4:5-6) – Have “believer” conversations within the church, not in public – public arguments harm the church and the name of Jesus. If someone directly asks you your opinion regarding a divisive cultural issue, have a gracious conversation within the context of relationship, not in public. Prepare yourself by knowing what God’s Word says.
11. Do play by social media’s rules (Romans 13:1-7) – If I’m going to get kicked off a social media platform I want it to be for sharing the gospel, not for breaking the rules. Know the standards and rules of the platforms where you’re active. We may not like or agree with the rules, but it’s still their prerogative to make them and deliver consequences to those who break them.
12. Do verify anything you post or share (Colossians 3:9) – Check the truthfulness of any information or news story before you post or share. If you can’t verify it, don’t share it.
13. Do share your faith journey (1 Peter 3:15) – Be real and transparent – to a degree of course! Show you are a “real” person; don’t try to come off “super spiritual.” Write about what Jesus means to you and the difference He makes in your life today.
14. Do try to add value (Philippians 2:2-4) – Be encouraging to all. Give far more than you “ask.” “Spiritual” memes can be encouraging, but an endless stream is not necessarily helpful. Think of ways you can provide practical help and direction. For instance, I lead a daily Bible reading group for women on Facebook. We read through one Bible book at a time, I post commentary and questions, and we discuss it together.

Kathy Howard