Social Media and the Great Commission
Social media is here to stay. Over 5.35 billion people actively use the internet and just over 5 billion use some social networking site (Facebook, X, TikTok, Etc.). Of course, young people lead the way in this trend. One research group suggests that 98% of American 18-24 year olds now use social networking! If we are to go to where they are then we must go to the internet. (Read more on this HERE.)
Social Media Is A Tool
Social media is like every other means of communication – it is used for good and evil. Tools are just that – resources to be used. We must choose how they will be used. How do you use yours? Social media platforms can be a platform for the gospel. We must connect our social media to the Great Commission.
For years we have warned our teenagers and college students of the dangers inherent in the internet. And we should. We must set guidelines. But perhaps it is time that we encourage them to use their online testimony to accomplish something for the cause of Christ. It is impossible to shelter children from every temptation. One of the greatest ways to equip them for the battle is to teach them to play offense. We must not merely be on the defense; we must attack “the gates of hell.” Charge enemy territory and take the message of Jesus to those who need to hear…even online.
As a teacher, many times each week I walked past one of the few working replicas of a Gutenberg press. It is prominently displayed in the Christian Heritage Center surrounded by the history of the English Bible. When Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press in 1440 a revolution began. A revolution for which we are truly grateful. The first thing printed on Gutenberg’s press was a copy of the Word of God.
Social Media Is A Platform
The printing press was merely a new method of print. The content had to be chosen. In our day social media platforms provide another method of printing the truth. Without question they can be misused and abused. But they can also be used to propagate the gospel and encourage others.
I have spoken to many through the years who led others to Christ by a connection made online. Sometimes they live in different countries and will perhaps never meet in person. Yet a discerning Christian may be able to use social media to carry on a discussion about Christ. In many cases, it led to the salvation of a precious soul. We have had broadcast listeners trust Christ while listening online. These connections and divine appointments can be given to a local church to follow up and disciple them.
One of the great dangers of social media is the temptation to make it all about us. For the Christian, no part of life is all about us. It is all about Him…and those for whom He died. That includes what we post online. (Read more about positive uses for social media HERE.)
This is our moment. This is our generation. And these are some of the resources God has given us to spread His truth and glorify His name. I hope someone will say of our day that “The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it” (Ps. 68:11).
Related Tool: Share our Gospel Page with Others:
Resource: Learn How to Tell Others About Jesus
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