SOCIAL MEDIA
[With all its
benefits] social networking can also be abused. When it consists of nothing
more than random babblings and personal monologues, it can become
self-centered, unrestrained and narcissistic. When it consumes our lives, it
can be addictive and controlling. Used unwisely, it is filled with potential
pitfalls and temptations. For those who follow Christ, we are called to submit
every area of our lives to His lordship – including how we use social media.
John
MacArthur
Social Media and Digital Discernment, Pulpit Posts, November 10, 2010. Used by
Permission.
Social
networking...has the potential to foster shallow relationships and detract from
real ones. Instead of enhancing deep friendships, it tends to flatten out and
impersonalize the dynamics of human interaction... [It] gives the illusion of
knowing everyone, and yet the reality is that oftentimes no one is truly known.
It creates an environment where selfish, one-sided relationships seem to
flourish, and where communication is largely unidirectional, made up of sound
bites instead of deep interaction. Moreover, it often distracts people from
existing relationships. Instead of pouring themselves into the real-life
friendships they currently have, people now spend hours with pseudo-friends
online.
John
MacArthur
Social Media and Digital Discernment, Pulpit Posts, November 10, 2010. Used by
Permission.
As believers, the command of Ephesians 5:15-16 is just as binding upon our
modern lives as it was in the non-technological world of the first century.
"Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making
the most of your time, because the days are evil." Paul’s exhortation has
massive implications for how we interact with social media. One day we will
stand before Christ to give an account for how we used His resources (including
our time and energy). With that in mind, how much of this life can be
justifiably devoted to Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and the like? Just a few
hours each day, over the course of a lifetime, adds up to years of wasted
opportunity.
John
MacArthur
Social Media and Digital Discernment, Pulpit Posts, November 10, 2010. Used by
Permission.
If there is
one word that perhaps best describes social media it is this: self-promotion...
When so much about social media panders to pride and shameless self-exaltation,
believers need to think about their motives before they jump on the bandwagon.
If the goal is simply popularity or personal promotion, it’s time to do a heart
check. Our celebrity-driven culture craves for notoriety. But Christians are
called to be different. We have died to ourselves. Thus, our concern should not
be, "How many people can I get to follow me?" but rather, "How
can I bear witness to the wonder of following Christ?"
John
MacArthur
Social Media and Digital Discernment, Pulpit Posts, November 10, 2010. Used by
Permission.