Rules for Social Media

Daily Devotions

David Maxson
10/12/15 - Daily Devotions

Reading for October 12th: Matthew 24-25
Weekly reading for October 11-17: James 1-5

...the tongue is a fire...

James 3:6

Social media is such a big part of our world now. While we shouldn't overreact to the dangers of it, we must not ignore them either. How we use social media should be discussed among Christians. I found online some good rules for social networking that I'd like to share with you:

Be careful before you hit send (James 1:19-20; Proverbs 10:19; 15:2; 21:23). Before you send it ask yourself if your comment could be taken the wrong way. Does this information need to be kept private? Will this needlessly offend anyone?
Don't use this technology to vent anger (James 1:19-20; Ephesians 4:26-27; Proverbs 14:29; 29:11). Don't air family problems. If you're angry at someone, pick up the phone. Don't broadcast it to the world.
Do not lie (Ephesians 4:25; Colossians 3:9-10; Revelation 21:8). Remember, embellishment is the same as lying.
Don't glorify self (Matthew 6:5, 7, 16; Proverbs 25:27; 26:12). Hide the good you do. Advertise what is done for you. Always give glory to God.
Watch out for ungodly influences in your network (1 Corinthians 15:33; 2 Timothy 2:16-18; 2 Peter 2:18-20). Beware of worldly thoughts and ideas; false teaching; filthy language and dirty jokes; gossip.
Beware the addictive nature of this technology (1 Corinthians 6:12). With smart phones we're almost always connected. It can easily take over your life if you're not careful.
Don't let this threaten your marriage (Proverbs 7:5-27). The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers says 81 percent of its members have used or faced evidence plucked from social networking sites in the past five years.
Use social networking in a positive way (Mark 16:15; Ephesians 4:29; Colossians 4:6; Matthew 5:14-16). As with everything else, when your ultimate desire is the glory of God you can't go wrong.

Father, help us to control our speech on social media. We pray that your name will be glorified through every email, post, tweet, and text we send.