Technology did not exist in Biblical times, but Scripture still gives us clear guidance for how we should use it.
by rev Werner Brotherton
Electronics and social media are part of our lives. As believers, we do not live in a vacuum but in a time and place where God has placed us. We live right now, in this digital era, because God has decided it.
This digital age has come upon us so quickly that we hardly have time to process how to handle it. But even here, we are called to follow Christ in the way we live. The comforting truth is that God’s Word has not changed. His Word remains the standard for all that we do, think and say.
Is social media good, bad, or neutral?
Social media can never be seen as neutral. It is designed to influence us, to work with our emotions, and to keep us hooked.
One way it does this is through dopamine, the brain’s “reward chemical.” Too much dopamine can lead to anxiety, stress, sleeplessness, and even aggression. This is just one dangerous effect related to social media. But still, it reminds us that we must use wisdom when using social media.
Even though too much social media use can be bad for us, we can use it for a good cause: Use social media to honour God. That means testing our online habits against His Word.
Five questions to test your use of social media
1. What do you show about yourself?
Would you still post it if you remembered that God sees it too? 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV) says:
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
Every post should raise the question: does this honour the Lord?
2. Can you just say whatever you want?
Hiding behind a screen makes it easier to type things we would never say in person. Philippians 2:3–5 (NIV) reminds us:
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.
3. Am I chasing approval?
If you constantly check your likes and comments, you are placing your value in human hands instead of God’s. Our worth is measured only by His Word.
4. Is what I post true?
If it is not true, we break the ninth commandment by spreading lies.
5. Do my posts reflect Jesus?
What you share matters, because it reveals your heart. When you get it wrong, be ready to repent and seek forgiveness.
Giving account for what we post
The apostles never imagined our modern world, yet God’s Word still speaks with full authority today. 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV) says:
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.
Notice the word always. That includes online.
Your time belongs to the Lord
Research shows people spend over 2 and a half hours a day on social media. But our time belongs to God. Ephesians 5:16 (NIV) says:
… making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
What is the first thing you reach for in the morning: Your phone or your Bible? The issue is not simply phone use, but what we neglect instead. A wise principle to remember: Bible before technology.
Seek God’s glory in everything
Scripture must guide every part of our lives, including our digital habits. In everything we must ask: What does this do to the image of Christ in me?
If I confess Christ as Lord, it should be visible everywhere, including on social media. Technology is not bad, but it must be used thoughtfully. Use technology with God’s glory as the goal.
