In these days of separation, social media is a blessing. It keeps us connected. And we need that in these days of quarantine or social distancing or self-containment, or whatever we are calling it these days.
Community is important. Being connected to friends and family and church are vital parts of our existence. We need connection. We crave connection. But these days, we are so limited in how these connections can take place, and that makes social media such a valuable thing.
We connect these days by Facebook and Instagram. By texting and messaging. By video chats and Zoom. And we also use the old-fashioned method - the phone call.
These are valuable assets in this crazy virus-controlled world we are living in. We need to stay connected, and sometimes we have to step out of our comfort zones, as I have on Facebook Live videos, to connect with people.
Social media has helped us to stay connected. In that way, it is a blessing.
But there is a down side to social media. Everything we see or here on social media isn't true. It isn't posted with good intentions. In fact, that applies to all media.
We have become more and more aware in recent days just how much the news media tries to control the narrative of our lives. How much media - both news media and social media - are being used to spread fear and panic. This is the curse of social media. Of all media.
How do we navigate these troubled waters without being led astray?
Be cautious.
Before you jump to accept something you read on Facebook and begin to share it with the world, check the facts. Is it true. Is it honest. Is it helpful.
Be connected.
More important than your connection to social media is your connection to the Word of God. That is the plumb line by which everything must be measured. Before you share something to social media, ask the same questions. Is it true. Is it honest. Is it helpful. And ask one more questions. Does it honor God?
This last one has caused me to think much more carefully about what I post. And to take down some things I had posted in the heat of the moment! We have all been guilty of those kinds of posts. But let's be careful!
Know the truth.
Jesus said, "You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free." (John 8:32)
Knowing the Word, and the God of the Word, helps us make wise decisions. About what to believe and what not to believe. About what to post on social media. About so many things!
To know the Word means we will be spending time in the word. Not just a quick verse of the day, or reading a quick morning devotion, but spending time in the Word. We should be like the Berean Christians in the book of Acts who "examined the scriptures daily to see if these things were so."
We are living in challenging times. We are bombarded with information. A 24-hour news cycle. Social media in various forms. And because we are at home right now, we look to those sources for our information. But as we do, let's be cautious. Let's not fall into the trap of believing everything we see and hear on social medial.
Let's hold everything against the plumb line of God's Word.
"Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things." (Philippians 4:8 NASB)
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