Everyone is Watching | Using Social Media as a Platform for the Gospel

by Michael Lennox

If you are anything like me, the hardest part of this quarantine has been the sudden drop in social interaction. Whatever label you adhere to (introvert, extrovert, or somewhere in between), relationships are built into the very DNA of humanity. Our needs of social interaction may vary depending on our personalities, but we are all built for connection. At the very beginning of humanity, after creating Adam, God said “it is not good for man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18) and he created Eve as a companion. A step even further, from the very beginning of creation, Adam and Eve were also in direct relationship with God (and God is triune; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), so being alone is clearly not part of the plan. Yet, many of us find ourselves either alone or in a very limited circle during this time and that can be challenging.

One way that many of us have tried to fill the void of personal interaction is through social media. If anything, this is the best moment in history to have to endure social distancing. We have so many tools and resources thanks to technology that can keep us connected (anyone ever heard of Zoom?). Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, text messaging, phone calls, FaceTime, and even email are just a few of the many ways that we are able to stay connected with friends and family during this time.

We often spend a lot of time talking about the dangers of social media. I don’t want to belittle those, because they can be severe. Excessive social media use has actually been shown to increase anxiety, dissatisfaction, and depression, specifically in Millennials and GenZ. Social media as a primary means of social interaction can also create bad habits that hinder us from forming meaningful relationships in the real world. Here is just ONE study on some of the effects of social media. I suggest reading through just as an additional resource.

However, this time of reflection is not centered on the negatives of social media. Like it or not, we are all stuck at home for the most part and as a result a lot of people are turning to digital forms of communication, like social media. (*I’m not advocating that you spend hours and hours each day on Instagram or TikTok, don’t misunderstand me). My question for you today is how can these platforms be used for encouragement, community, and connection in this unique cultural moment?

We’ve been working our way through the Sermon on the Mount for the last couple of months. One of the very first things we read from Jesus is “You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill cannot be hidden. People do not light a lamp and put it under a basket but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before people, so that they can see your good deeds and give honor to your Father in Heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 NET. We’ve all heard this passage before, which can make it easier to blow through and skim over. Go back and reread it. What stands out to you? Write those things down.

In many ways, social media is inherently self-centered. We tend to post the best of ourselves in the hopes that people will like what they see and, in turn, like us. But what if we were to turn this idea of self-centeredness on its head? How could we use our platforms and our followings to share the Gospel in a time of anxiety and fear? How could we use these platforms to encourage others? Brainstorm 3-5 ideas and write them down.

Now more than ever, all eyes are on the church and the people of God. People are looking for answers in the midst of uncertainty. Based on Jesus’s teaching above, what should our response be? If we claim to be followers of Jesus, our actions ought to reflect his commandments. During normal times, we should certainly be the light of the world to those around us. But that calling doesn’t go away just because we are cooped up inside. Whether you have ten social media accounts or zero, there are unique ways for you to be the light of the world in this season. Here are just a few things that come to mind:

 Write letters of encouragement to people from school who don’t know Jesus

 Get to know your neighbors. Give them a gift basket with notes of encouragement or get your families to go on a walk together (six feet apart of course)

 Post a daily Scripture encouragement on Instagram

 Make a worship playlist and send it to your friends

 Pray for those in your life who don’t know Jesus and reach out to them

There are about a thousand other things we could come up with together. Take some time and work on a list of your own. No less than 5 things. And pick at least one to commit to doing THIS WEEK. We are the light of the world. Let’s go Impact tribe!