Social media seems to drive our culture. Sometimes, it feels like social media dictates so much of our lives — from the time we give the platforms, to the way we compare ourselves to others, to the Instagram-approved snapshots of our lives we showcase to the world. Even more than that, social media can also breed discontentment, anger and frustration. You’ve probably seen more than a few heated posts. Perhaps, you’ve even engaged in a few. Ask yourself this: What does Jesus say about how Christians should act on social media?

If you look in the index of your Bible, the odds are slim that you’ll find an entry for “Christian social media.” The Bible may not specifically call out social media, but it does give Christians a solid map to follow in terms of how we should act. There’s a chance you may be committing some social media sins, which may coincide with some Bible-based sins. Here’s some social media faux pas you should try to avoid if you’re a Christian. 

Quit the comparison game

Remember that time you were scrolling through Instagram or TikTok and thought, “Wow, I wish my house looked like that”? That’s a form of coveting your neighbor’s belongings, and it’s also considered a sin. Yup, that’s right. Exodus 20:17 (ESV) tells Christians to “not covet your neighbor’s house.” This goes beyond just the physical house. The verse goes on to say that you should not “covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor’s.” While we may not desire the ox or donkey an social media influencer has (but you might because homesteading is super trendy right now), God is reminding us to be content with what we have. Whether you're wishing for fancier things, nicer clothes or a different physical appearance, check yourself and ask God to forgive you for this social media sin.

Don’t believe everything you read

If it’s on the internet, it must be true. Right? Now, you know better than that. If you read something online (ahem, Facebook), question the accuracy — especially before you decide to repost it or engage in a conversation about the topic. Here are some tips to help you evaluate if information is accurate:

• Question where the information originated. What’s the source? Credible sources are businesses or organizations with a long-standing reputation for accuracy. In many cases, the websites will end in .gov or .org and these organizations will have data to back up their findings.

• Understand everyone is biased. Whether we like to believe it or not, we all have a bias. Those biases color how each of us receives and interprets information — this includes businesses and organizations. The best course of action is to build your research with a wide variety of sources to help you have a solid understanding of how the facts are presented. If it’s Christian, it ought to be better — and that requires accuracy.

• Discern fact from opinion. Most facts are presented with an opinion. So, while there may be some truth to what you read, how the facts are phrased can drastically impact how something is interpreted. A good rule of thumb if you’re going to post statistics or facts is to let them stand on their own. If you want to have a discussion, state that in your post — but keep your conversations civil.

Check your pride at the “post” button 

Mistakes happen. It’s OK. But don’t be prideful. If you post something that was rude, remove your post, apologize to the person you were rude to and make a second post explaining why you removed your rude post. 

Being a Christian who engages on social media may be difficult. But you also have the opportunity to share the love of Jesus with others. Here are some actions you should try to incorporate into your social media usage as a Christian. 

• Be real — It’s so easy to want to post only positively perfect photos and videos. But, is that real life? Post the hard stuff too because Jesus meets us in the middle of our mess.

• Show kindness — What we say matters. Period. Make sure your social media comments and interactions are kind — especially as a Christian.

• Encourage others — Social media can be a great opportunity for Christians to lift up those who are struggling. Hint: We are all struggling in some way.

Centerpoint Church is ready to walk with you on your faith journey

At Centerpoint, our community believes in purpose and passion, and we would love to walk with you on your journey in finding yours. You can also find out what our community’s purpose and passion are all about by checking out some of the past sermons we’ve posted on our website. 

Do you want to grow in your faith, or are you simply curious about who this Jesus guy is? You’re not alone. We encourage you to listen to our series online and welcome you to come to one of our Sunday morning services in Valrico, Florida.