Behaving Online as a Christian

There have been a lot of changes in the way we communicate with each other - especially with the phenomena of social media - whether it be a blog, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, ChatOn, Skype, Messenger, ICQ - or whatever "media call" people choose to use to say what they want to say and show what they want to show in the "virtual world." And whether you want to believe if it's good or not, we cannot deny its impact on culture or even on the church. Personally, I have chosen to use it for good as much as possible, in personal and church ministry ways, and be very mindful of what I am "posting" for all "the world" to see. But, it's not always easy. 

I think there is a problem with all this and I am disturbed too many times at some of the ways I see Christians post and respond on social media. You see, here's the way it works. I can post one thing, be it serious or not so serious, and it's quite amazing how people respond - sometimes immediately! I have heard it referred to as a "slam and run" practice. You have had it happen, even innocently so perhaps. Thank God for the delete or hide option, right?  But sometimes you can't get to the delete or hide option quickly enough until it's out there for the whole world to see and know. 

Really, it is but a small example of a bigger problem. The fact is, sadly enough, Christians aren’t always behaving well online. It seems that what we’d never say offline we have no problem saying online. How is that right? What's gone wrong with us? 

All of us know that the ungodly world and pagan culture is watching how Christians respond in public. Remember the recent interview episode with Phil Robertson of "Duck Dynasty?  Well, the world is also watching how we respond online. The truth is that we must be careful then with what we post. And especially if you don't want it "re-posted" by someone else who says they are your friend.  It's easy for any one of us to be misunderstood, even with the best forms of communication (i.e., face-to-face). But, I hope we all know that we shouldn’t be blatantly offensive in the way we "post" our communication. As for me, I've seen too many blatantly offensive posts - on a variety of topics - from religion to sports to politics to social "hot button" issues. Some even venture into personal attacks. Sad, indeed.

Just recently, I received an email from a Christian leader, pastor, and blogger. He had some good words on this subject. I share what he said here verbatim. Take it for what it's worth. And as my father always said, "If the shoe fits, then wear it." 

Here are some ways Christians should behave online.

1. No soapbox -We are told to “do everything without arguing or complaining.” (Philippians 2:14) That doesn’t mean we can’t support causes we believe in, but they should be moral and Biblical issues, not personal agendas.

2. No public bashing – Unless you’ve practiced Matthew 18 principles, and even then it would be rare, don’t address your problems with others online. It’s not helpful and never promotes peace. (Romans 12:18, Hebrews 12:14)

3. No little jabs – We shouldn’t say things about others that may be misinterpreted as a stab against them. Guard your online tongue. (James 3) I see this especially as a passive aggressive tactic. We feel “safe” evoking insults or cuts to another person online that we would never say to their face.

4. Encouragement – Social media can be a great way to encourage others. We shouldn’t spam with massive amounts of posts. Few appreciate the person who reshares everything they see, but most everyone likes to read an encouraging word pointed especially to them. (Ephesians 4:29)

5. Do to others – As we’d have them do to us. We should always think before we post. Pause. Breathe. Think. Post. Ask yourself how you would be impacted by the post before you post it. (Luke 6:31)

6. Guard against pride – We have to be careful with self-promotion and bragging about ourselves online. Granted, this is coming from one who has built an online platform online and I frequently encourage other pastors to do the same. It’s one of the best ways currently to engage people for Kingdom building. But, this is a reminder for me too. We must check our motives, guard our hearts and never allow our egos to rob glory from what God wants to do through our online presence. (Proverbs 11:2, 13:10)

7. Not allow it to be a replacement for community – It’s easy to post “Happy birthday” or reply “Praying for you” without really doing so. We shouldn’t trade the functions of the Body for an online presence. (Acts 2:42-47, Hebrews 10:24) 

Get the point? I hope so. Let's behave wisely and with discernment online as Christians. For the sake of the Kingdom of God.