Practical - 1
Protection from Pitfalls of Social Media
John Lee
Have you ever wondered who runs the show? Are you managing your access to social media, or is it managing you?
Smartphones and social media apps are brilliant examples of the danger of acting without thinking, and the strange tendency to open up through technology in a way we never would in person.
In this age of nearly uninhibited and incessant information and entertainment, we can be deluged with tweets, texts, emails, instant messages, talk radio, 24-hour news, 30-second sound bites etc. The sheer amount of input is enormous.
Pitfalls
While social media has many advantages, it is important to be mindful of the potential disadvantages and strive for a balance in using it for spiritual growth.
- It is obvious that the devil is also using the social media to promote another Jesus, another spirit and another gospel to mislead the believers from the simplicity and the purity that is in Christ. (II Corinthians 11:3).
- It can be a distraction from spending time with God. With all the entertainment options available at our fingertips, it can be easy to prioritize browsing social media over spending time reading the Bible or praying. This can hinder our spiritual growth and intimacy with God.
- It can lead to comparison and discontentment. Social media platforms often present a filtered and idealized version of people’s lives, leading us to compare ourselves and feel inadequate.
Therefore, it can be a stumbling block to our moral and doctrinal purity, and ability to be content, and grateful for blessing in our own lives.
The Root
There is not a single believer who doesn’t struggle mightily with control of his thought life. Job said, “Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble” (Job 14:1). From the teachings of Our Saviour, the root of defilement lies within the heart of man (Mark 7:20-23). Evil thoughts and actions stem from within.
It is important to control our thought life as believers. We have the internal battle between our fleshly desires and the call to obedience to Christ.
The question is not who struggles with this problem, but who gains victory over this problem?
Way to Victory
Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, the spiritual nature of our warfare and the need for divine empowerment to overcome strongholds. Our weapons are not worldly but are mighty through God for tearing down strongholds and bringing every thought into captivity to Christ.
- Casting Down Imaginations
This involves actively rejecting and dismantling thoughts and imaginations that contradict the word of God. It requires discernment and vigilance over the content we allow into our minds.
- Focus on Positive Virtues
Philippians 4:8 exhorts believers to intentionally focus their minds on things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and of good report. This deliberate choice influences our character and behaviour.
Just as we carefully watch our physical diet, we should also be attentive to what we consume mentally. Engaging in a "Daily Data Dump," where we consciously rid ourselves of harmful influences and replace them with wholesome content can help maintain purity of thought. Proverbs 6:27 says, “Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned”?
We wrongly think that as we grow and mature we can handle certain things. However, like children, our minds too are like sponges – defilement in, defilement out. Despite our maturity, our minds remain susceptible to influence, absorbing what we expose them to. Hence, we must guard against contamination by surrounding ourselves with morally edifying influences.
- Transformation and Action
Righteous thinking leads to righteous actions. The correlation between our thought life and our behaviour highlights the importance of aligning our actions with our beliefs. Constant transformation of minds changes our actions too. (Romans 12:2)
Paul concludes Philippians 4: 4 – 7 by emphasizing the peace that comes from right thinking and righteous living. As we align our thoughts and actions with God's will, we experience His peace that surpasses all understanding.
Therefore, it is the need of the hour to actively engage in the battle of our thought life, relying on God's strength and transforming our minds through intentional focus on what is virtuous and pleasing to Him.
Grace Available
This article is intended to be preventative, but it is possible a reader has already fallen victim to this temptation. It is not to increase your guilt, but to offer a warning against future mistakes. God fully forgives sin, including sexual sin. Cherish the cross of Christ and rejoice in the mercy God extends. (Psalm 51; 1Co 6:9-11; 1Jn 1:7-9)
For older saints reading these lines, remember that you might not have smartphones available in our teen years – and what sort of trouble might you have gotten yourselves into if you did? “Smartphones do not invent new sins; they simply amplify every extant temptation of life. Old temptations are given new levels of attraction and addiction and accessibility.” But God is always gracious.
Glorifying Christ
Now is the time to take control on using social media, rather than letting it control us. By being mindful of the potential pitfalls of it, setting boundaries, and prioritizing real relationships, you can navigate this digital age with wisdom and grace.
Remember, God’s grace is always available to help us to overcome any struggle we may face. So, let us take charge of our thoughts, time, and interactions and strive to live a life that glorifies the Lord Jesus Christ in all aspects.
