Using Social Media to Glorify God and Edify Others

I. Gooch Lane Teen Class

II. Statistics

A. A 2012 survey said that 95% of American teenagers have some type of social media account (Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Instagram, Vine, Snapchat…) that they use to exchange information and cat pictures with their friends and keep up with what is going on in their world.

B. 62% of teens share their social media username as one of the first pieces of information they share as a way to stay in touch when they meet a brand new friend. -Pew Research

III. How many of you have some type of social media account?

IV. For those of you who use social media, what do you generally use it for?

V. Some consider these networks to be the opening of a great world of information sharing while others cite them as examples of the downfall of civilization.

A. In truth, they are neither good nor evil but are simply tools that can be used and abused.

B. Abuse Example: Megan Meier connected with a teenage boy over My Space. She was crushed when he ” dumped her saying the world would be better off without her.” At 13, Megan killed herself over a boy she had never met. ” A boy who wasn’t even real, whose My Space profile had been created as a hoax by three people—a teenage girl acquaintance, her mother, and the mother’s business associate.”

C. Positive Use Example: A couple of years ago, Mark White, from Rogersville, started a fund raising campaign online and was able to raise $40,000 in a couple of months to buy a handicapped-equipped van for a preacher with a severely disabled daughter. The campaign allowed friends to share the story with friends, and even the local media latched onto the story, and funds were raised for this good cause.

VI. Those who follow God should use everything in their life to let their light shine into a dark world, including social media.

A. God called Moses: “What is in your hand?”

1. We can encourage other people who are trying to serve God
2. We can reach out to those who have no relationship with Him.
3. Because of the connecting nature of these tools, we have opportunity to connect others with God.

B. However, if we are not careful about how we use social media we could discourage people from serving God and might lead them to sin

1. In what ways could we be a bad example on social media?
2. In what ways could we discourage people from serving God?

VII. Here are five ways to use social media to glorify God and encourage others in instead of polluting their heart or distracting them from obeying.

VIII. Remember that the things that come out in social media are the things that are within your heart. Let your heart be filled with good things and let them be evident to others. Be a good example.

A. Read Philippians 4:8

B. Social media posts reflect the things that we want the world to see about us. They often reflect our interests, beliefs, principles, and loves (and too often our meals—whatever). Do the things we ” like” reflect whatever is pure, lovely, commendable, and excellent?

C. What do the musical groups, television shows, movies, actors/actresses, etc. that we like say about what we put into our hearts?

D. Do the things that we share include profane or foul language?

1. Ephesians 5:3-5: out of place

E. In our pictures, are we dressed modestly? Do the pictures emphasis our bodies and seek attention for how we look instead of who we are?

F. The challenge is not to glorify ourselves: Matthew 6:5-7; Prov 25:27; 27:2 when social media is often about “look at me and who I’m with, where I’m at, and what I have.”

1. Humblebrag
2. Don’t judge your life by what other people are posting! It is a designed and edited story you are reading.

IX. Edify others. The word ” edify” means to ” build up.”

A. Do we encourage others or do we gossip about or insult others?

B. Are we sharing things that are untrue (hoax, rumor)? Lies don’t build up, they tear down.

C. When we know that someone is going through a difficult time we can offer words of comfort or let them know that we are praying for them.

D. As people discuss their needs, we can see opportunities to serve them.

E. Perhaps we can ask our parents to help us prepare a meal for them if they need one or go over to their house to visit and pray with them.

F. When things are going good we can rejoice with them (Romans 12:15).

X. Invite them to teaching opportunities. Facebook is a great way to announce Bible studies and worship services to your friends. You can lead them to teachers of truth.

A. For example, you could post ” We’re having this great study in our Teen Class on ___________.

B. I have really been learning about ___________________ and it has helped me a lot! Our next class is this Sunday morning at [time]. We meet at [address] -or- give link to the church web site if you have it.”

C. You can also advertise special Bible classes, gospel meetings, or sermons directed towards visitors. Post the invitation several times over a few days and especially the day before the event.

D. Reflect the excitement you have in how it helps you as you try to interest others in attending.

XI. Teaching others. Facebook’s sharing features are a great tool for sharing articles (like these on Godly Youth—hint), Bible verses, links to audio/video sermons, books. and other material useful for teaching others.

A. When you read a good article that educates or encourages you, share it with others and note the things with which you agree or disagree or important points to consider with this resource.

B. Some people share quotes, hymn lyrics, and Bible verses which can be a positive message.

C. You can also take opportunity when someone is saying something wrong about what the Bible teaches, use the opportunity to correct them in a spirit of meekness (2 Timothy 2:23-26).

D. When someone says they don’t understand something about the Bible or in society, offer to study with them privately online or in person.

XII. Be a peacemaker. Jesus blessed the peacemakers in the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:9. Social media gives us opportunity to cause problems with others or be at peace with them.

A. If our focus is on the salvation of souls, we will not have a spirit of bullying others or tearing them down online.

B. Are we jumping to conclusions about what someone is posting or saying? James 1:19-20 warns us to be quick to hear and slow to speak.

C. We cannot control what others do but ” as much as depends on us” we can live in peace with others, Romans 12:18.

D. Don’t use social media to gang up with others on another person, to tear down or insult others, or senseless arguments.

E. There may be times when you must disagree but can do so without being disagreeable.

F. Be careful in your choice of words and the tone of your message so even if you speak things that are not acceptable to the recipient, your attitude will be honorable.

G. Realize that you may still be misunderstood, reviled, and insulted, but don’t answer in kind. Respond in humility as Jesus did, 1 Peter 2:23-25.

XIII. Final Observations

A. Proverbs 21:23: “Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.”

B. Proverbs 17:27: “Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding”

C. Proverbs says a lot of the wisdom, and looking wise, by silence. Some of the best things you may do on social media is to type thoughts into the posting box, then delete them.

D. Don’t let it rule your lives: 1 Corinthians 6:12. Don’t let it take the time you can use for truly enhancing your life.

XIV. Make sure you pick up a parent guide and give it to your parents. (if time, review)