I’m taking a short break from the Promised Land posts before our release date to share something that has been weighing heavily on my heart lately. Censorship has always been an issue on social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, but recently it seems to have escalated to a fever pitch. Christian values are being put down over and over again, and the problem is likely to increase.
Which raises an interesting question.
Should Christians continue to use social media?
(note: I am referring to personal social media accounts, not necessarily those used strategically for businesses. Just like with personal accounts, it is a question of your conscience, not mine.)
In Jeremiah, God tells us to “Flee out of Babylon; leave the land of the Babylonians and be like the goats that lead the flock.” This verse is often applied to sin and/or temptation, but what if you thought of it in terms of our culture? Hypothetically, what if the America we live in today . . . is our Babylon?
That would put Christians under a bit of scrutiny. Yes, we are to be a light in the darkness. Yes, we are to be in the world but not of it. But what if we are living in a day and age when God is going to call you and I, His people, out of Babylon?
Returning to the issue of social media, think about these arguments, for and against remaining on social platforms.
FOR
“We are meant to shine a light in the darkness. As long as we are acting as a mouthpiece for the furthering of God’s kingdom, we are where we’re supposed to be.”
“Getting off of social media doesn’t solve the issue. You can’t say no to Twitter and yes to Google or Amazon or YouTube. They are, on one level or another, all the same.”
AGAINST
“Christians are responsible for the wholeness and holiness of the church. If social media is a platform for wickedness, then it is our responsibility to refrain from using it.”
“America was dedicated to God by her forefathers. No matter how far we fall from Him, He will not release us from that covenant. Christians must analyze on an individual level how deeply entrenched they are in the world and its patterns.”
(note: the statements above are not direct quotes, merely hypothetical arguments.)
Social media is the communication center of many of our lives. We interact with family we may not otherwise see; we sell products; we ask for prayer; we receive encouragement or information. For many of us, it is difficult to imagine our lives without it. And I echo one of the statements above – if you chose to do away with social media, you would have to remember that you have just drawn a line that cannot be drawn. The chain of ungodliness leads all the way back to platforms like Amazon, Google, etc. And those are far more difficult to stop using.
Let me be clear – I am not advocating for or against remaining on social media accounts. I have not answered this question in my own conscience. What I AM doing is encouraging – no, begging – you to consider this issue for yourself. Do NOT pretend that it doesn’t exist.
Getting off of social media does not solve the entire problem of “Babylon”. You can start there, but you cannot end there. Why? Because social networks aren’t the problem. It is the people and intentions behind the networks that are the problem.
- Pray about it
Such a decision could affect many of your family and friends. Pray about it, openly. - Consider alternatives
Give some thought to social media alternatives, such as snail-mail or emailing. - Take your time
If you choose to remain on social media, for a time or for the foreseeable future, consider using the voice you have there to rally your Christian comrades to be a people set apart for the kingdom of God. - Stay alert
No matter your decision, don’t allow complacency to take root. Stay alert. Keep watch. Have a bag packed and one hand on the door knob, because the issue isn’t going to go away.
Brothers and sisters, we live in interesting times. We live in dangerous times. The devil has nefarious intentions for this nation, but we ARE a nation dedicated to Christ. If you have read this post, there is no longer an excuse for complacency. Stand on the watchtower . . . and pray.
Please share your thoughts on this in the comments! I welcome all opinions offered kindly. ❤
Hannah Gaudette - Author 