In the World, But Not of It...Social Media - Part One

How do we minister to others and yet keep Christ's reputation pure to them? 

How do we maintain the proper depiction of Christ to the world through our social media accounts, such as Facebook?  

These are some things I have been contemplating since recently joining Facebook.  The blog outlet doesn't worry me, but all the people one can have as "friends" on Facebook does.  I'm going to look specifically at Facebook, because this is the main social media outlet with which I have direct experience.  When people see us, what do they see?  If we are living as we should, they should see Christ.  The main struggle I am having with this is what reflection any information, ideas or images posted by people with whom I am "friends" will have on my reputation and the reputation of Christ through my claim of Him as Lord of my life.  Since I claim Christ, I should be a reflection of Him to this world.  Obviously we are responsible for the influence anything we post on Facebook will have, but here is where I think we get into some murky waters.  What level of responsibility, if any, do I have for the influence ideas and images posted on my "friends' " pages will have on others with whom I am "friends?"  Let's start by looking at what our purposes could be in interacting with others on Facebook:

1. Influencing others for Christ!
2. Keeping in touch with friends and family.
3. Networking for business purposes.

As Christians, number one up there should be the purpose we keep in mind in all of our interactions.  Now, if we are keeping that as our main goal on Facebook, how will we go about our interactions with others and making new "friends?"  First of all, I think it will be clear to others through our online behavior and posts that we are Christians.  Any post or image will represent Christ to the world, whether for good or for bad.  Ephesians 5:3-11 says: 

"But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints; and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.  For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.  Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.  Therefore do not be partakers with them; for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), trying the learn what is pleasing to the Lord.  Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them" (NASB - emphasis mine)

This passage speaks to guidelines for our own posts and behavior (such as avoiding filthiness and coarse jesting, demonstrating giving thanks, etc.) as well as maintaining Christ's reputation through not partaking in the sin of others.  How do we do this?  If someone looked at your profile, posts and images, would it be clear to them that you are a Christian, that you follow Christ?  Is it clear that you are not a partaker in these "deeds of darkness?"  

Jesus did eat with sinners and spend time with them to influence them in a godly way and we certainly are called to do that in order to teach the gospel and win others to Christ.  However, I think there are some limitations here and some special circumstances that come up in relation to social media interaction.  First off, take a look at I Corinthians 5:9-13:

"I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with immoral people; I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world, or with the covetous or swindlers, or with idolaters, for then you would have to go out of the world.  But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler - not even to eat with such a one.  For what have I to do with judging outsiders?  Do you not judge those who are within the church?  But those who are outside, God judges.  REMOVE THE WICKED MAN FROM AMONG YOURSELVES." (emphasis mine)

Here, Paul is instructing the Corinthian Christians, and us, not to associate with people who call themselves Christians and are continuing willfully in a sinful lifestyle.  I would think this might also mean not to maintain our "Facebook friendship" with someone calling themselves a "brother" or "sister" who is willfully living contrary to God's ways.  If they have been approached about this matter and continue in sin, it is dangerous for all in the church to maintain fellowship with them.  Paul says in I Corinthians 5:6b:

"Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough?"  (emphasis mine)

The sinful lifestyle of that person will influence others within the church.  This action of not associating with that person may even be what is necessary to drive them to repentance.

Here is an instance in which I personally think we should guard our Facebook friendships in regard to those in the church and those without.  A major difference in your internet relationship with non-Christians, versus your real world relationship with those people is the presence of images and/or videos in that relationship.  If you are attempting to influence or study with a non-Christian person, you do not have to do so while they are immodestly dressed or engaging in immoral activity.  People can post many pictures and videos on the internet though and I do not want to be someone's link to an image or video that may cause them to stumble. In Romans 14:12-13, Paul says:

"So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God.  Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this - not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother's way."  (emphasis mine)

We will all be responsible for our own actions to God, but we are also commanded not to do things that are a stumbling block to our brother or sister in Christ.  I know that someone checking out your "friends' " pages is not an activity that you are directly responsible for, but I personally would rather not have placed the stumbling block of immodest images or videos in front of someone through my linking to my "friends."

It is difficult to know if someone has something on their page that may be a stumbling block or an ungodly influence on others.  The main thing to do is make sure that your page and your posts do not contain anything  such as this and then make judgment calls as you discover things or other situations arise in regard to the pages and activities of your "friends."  Tomorrow I will continue with the conclusion of this topic, discussing more specifically guidelines for our own godly behavior.  Be sure to check it out!  Part Two