I don’t know if you have noticed on Twitter lately…

That’s not the start of a good joke on nighttime television. It’s the recognition that you do not have to look past Social Media feeds to see depth of suffering and depravity all around us. I try not to be shocked when I read various strings; however, the shallowness of the discourse, the vulgarity of the interactions, the incredible assumptions made about people, and the lack of patience or perseverance with neighbors (much less those who disagree with you) literally shocks me. Often I want to hit reply or retweet with comment – and boy do I want to comment. But then I think, how will this be helpful? Will it in fact be helpful at all?

I would love to suggest the problem only lies in those in our communities and world who do not claim to follow Christ; however, that sadly is not true. Often it is Christians who struggle as much as any. In those responses, it is almost as if they are tone deaf to their words, attitude, and actions.

Oh friends, we can do better. In fact, my friends, we must do better.

We can and should redeem our part of social media during the pandemic (and every day)! 

How Do You Redeem Your Part of Social Media?

For the sake of this blog, I want to lead us through thinking about a few key areas of our social media and how we can use those in a way that honors the Lord.

The Apostle Paul writes:

15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another in the fear of God. (Ephesians 5:15-21)

Paul challenges us to walk wisely or carefully. To walk here means to live. This is every day, twenty-four/seven living. In it, our responsibility includes wise living. He describes this kind of living as “redeeming the time.” To redeem the time refers to taking advantage of every day, every opportunity, and every moment.
Therefore, we have both an opportunity and a responsibility when online. Gladly, according to this text, it must be possible to redeem our social media use. Our opportunity and responsibility of course are the same – to use every minute, including our time online, in a wise way as we walk in the Spirit.

Consider These Three Areas of Social Media Use for Redemption

Regarding Your Timeline

As you follow your timeline (called different terms on various media), think in terms of prayer. Rather than just looking for something funny or interesting, look through your timeline in a spirit of ministry. Where people are hurting, immediately say a prayer for them. When someone may need a word of encouragement, give one. As people celebrate great victories, gifts, or kindness to them by others, celebrate with them. Say a quick word of praise to God for His providential blessings in this other person’s life. Guard against jealousy and covetousness by celebrating what God is doing in, for, and through other people.

Get this…you can use your timeline as a means of ministry. Yes, enjoy the funny parts. Of course you can read what is interesting – while potentially even learning something. While doing those things, also strive to serve others as one who loves Christ, respects God, and desires to walk consistently in the Spirit.

Regarding Politics

In addition to this year being an election year, politicians also serve as our leaders. The pandemic response on every level of national, state, and local governments reflects imperfect leadership. Thankfully, God providentially works through imperfect leaders to serve us.

Will they blow it at times? Yes. Is it possible that you will suffer as a result of decisions by others who do not know you, live by you, or understand you? Yes. Are there areas where you can critique, criticize, and determine how it could be better? Absolutely.

With this reality though, we cannot allow our response to the leaders around us — and especially the responses of those who are also on social media with us  — to draw us into sin. Regardless of whether they do a good job or poor job, live up to our greatest expectations or our worst expectations, or if you personally like them or not, we each must guard our hearts against sin, walking in the flesh, or becoming a poor testimony for Jesus Christ. Even in regard to politics, we are to walk in the Spirit, redeeming the time.

Our hope is to live consistent with the greater challenge of Ephesians. Paul writes:

 1 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:1-3)

Regarding What We Share

As we share our posts, we want to redeem those as well. Let me suggest just a few principles to remember here. Post in an effort to share truth, not assumption, theories, or guesses. Seek to encourage, persevere, long-suffer, and remain patient with others. Seek to put yourself in other people’s shoes recognizing you do not know everything about another person, his or her goals and values, or his or her situation.
In other words, seek to be a bright spot in another person’s day. Consider your post as an ambassador of Jesus Christ. Reflect on what it means as one walking in the Spirit to have the words of Christ, the attitude of Christ, and the actions of Christ. See yourself for what you truly are – a child of God redeemed by the blood of Christ in whom the power of sin is broken giving you the opportunity to now live for the glory of God.

KevinCarson.com | Wisdom for Life in Christ Together

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