5 Bible-Based Principles for Using Social Media

Based on a podcast episode by Jackie Hill Perry and Preston Perry.

1. Do nothing from selfish ambition (Philippians 2:3)

Creators:

• Post content with people in mind. How will this help others grow and be equipped? How can I fully love people through what I share?

„The issue becomes when the motive is not winning souls for the sake of God’s glory. The issue is winning eyes for the sake of your own ego.“ (Jackie Hill Perry)

Consumers:

• Am I looking for entertainment, or am I seeking to be built up?

• What is in me that is drawn to this kind of content? Who am I actually listening to?

• Don’t use Instagram out of a place of neediness.

• Sometimes, go offline to serve the people sitting right next to you! Too often, people sit next to each other glued to their phones instead of talking to each other.

2. Be reasonable (Philippians 4:5)

• Don’t act or comment out of emotion.

• People assume there won’t be consequences online.

• You’re judging based on a tiny glimpse into someone’s life – you don’t really know them.

• People should see that we are Christians by how reasonable we are.

3. Be slow to speak and quick to listen (James 1:19)

• A warning against impulsive reactions.

• Are we responding to truly help someone — or just to vent?

• The people who have had the most impact on your life are the ones actually in your life – not people leaving comments.

• Are you really listening? Maybe you’re hearing things through the lens of your own personal bias.

4. Remove the plank from your own eye (Matthew 7:3-5)

• We don’t see people clearly.

• If you’re never open to correction, then your judgment of others isn’t righteous.

5. Guard your heart (Proverbs 4:23)

• Be careful what you allow to shape your desires, emotions, and identity.

Love,
Mirjana Joy