Is Jesus on TikTok?: A Social Media Study (Pt. 4)

Lesson 4: Creating and sharing content

Questions to Consider:

What self-imposed “rules” do you go by when posting content on your social media platforms? What irks you about what others post?

Should (or do) Christians have a different set of rules when it comes to what they share on social media? If so, or not, what biblical principles support your view?

We’ve talked a bit already about the Bible not saying anything directly about social media. Not too surprising, since, you know, computers were still thousands of years out. Even so, as we do with everything in our lives, we take what is there and try to apply it to new situations.

In this lesson, we’ll be exploring Christian guidelines for posting content. I think Colossians is a great place to start. Really, all of chapter three is worthy of review. I’d encourage you to pause and read through it before you go on.

Let’s look specifically at verses 12-14 and 17, though.

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity” (Col. 3:12-14).

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Col. 3:17).

I have to confess to you right now. This is one of my hot spots. What Christians post on social media has been a source of deep anger for me on more than one occasion. Bible verses and reminders of God’s love or promises to pray for someone appear between political rants calling the other side all kinds of names, lewd videos and memes posted in the name of humor, and rants against some “anonymous” person most commenters clearly know.

It’s oil and water. These posts don't mix, and it burns me up to see them together.

However, sitting in my anger doesn’t do any good. Instead, I’m letting it move me to action (thus this very study series) and choosing to believe the people posting that type of contrary content just don’t recognize what they are doing.

Questions to consider:

This may seem tangential but bear with me. You are walking down a busy street, and a man is standing on a crate holding his Bible high and telling everyone who passes they are going to hell…or that the end is near and they need to ‘turn or burn’...or that (insert a certain lifestyle/political party) is evil and sinful. On another corner, another guy is on his crate shouting about how your political party is ruining the country and should all leave the country and never come back. A little further down the sidewalk, there is yet another. This one’s laughing, though. He’s telling jokes, only…wait a minute. That joke was about your profession, hair color, or gender. No matter the message, they are all shouting to the masses, to people they don’t know. What is your response? How do you feel at that moment? Would you be willing to change spots with him and take up his message?

Now consider the Bible verses from Colossians. How might they apply to posting content on social media?

Posting on social media is kind of like standing on the sidewalk and hollering to people as they pass by.

“Hey everyone! Look at this Bible verse!”

“Hey people I only kind of know, anyone in that one political party is stupid!”

“Hey! You’re probably an evil sinner whom I’m going to judge in the name of Jesus.”

“Hey all you grannies and old aunts, check out this inappropriate video!”

“Heads up! Have you heard this unbelievable and hyperbolic ‘fact’ I didn’t check at all? It supports my worldview and will probably stir people to outrage, but…wait…oops…turns out it isn’t true at all. Ah, who cares? I’ll just keep it up because the sentiment behind it is true to me.”

With social media, you are talking to the masses, sharing with no one person in particular. Yes, you may have your posts limited to “friends,” but let’s be real. I have maybe three people I would share my unfiltered opinions with. Sometimes I can’t even remember who a “friend” or follower on my social media is. Did I work with them at one point? Were they friends with my husband? A former student? We are talking about the types of acquaintances you smile and nod to when you see them in public but whom you don’t stop to chat with. That would just be weird.

So, would you do it? Everything you’ve posted in the last month, would you be willing to say it/share it directly with not just select friends, but all your friends and acquaintances? If so, excellent. If you feel hesitant about that idea, take a minute and think about why it might bother you.

In our last lesson, Erica shared the THINK acronym as a method of evaluating what you are viewing on social media:

T - is it true?

H - is it helpful?

I - is it inspiring?

N - is it necessary?

K - is it kind?

This is a great starting point for evaluating what you are posting as well. Only, as representatives of Christ, we are obligated to treat social media no differently than any of our other roles. In ALL things, we are to be Christlike. ALL THINGS.

Chapter three of Colossians leads with a premise: “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ…,” and all the rest follows.

BECAUSE Christ has redeemed us, we do all things in His name and live out the values that He embodies.

BECAUSE of His love for us, every word on our social media should be posted in a way that aligns with Jesus.

BECAUSE He bought me at a price, and I am no longer my own, my social media account also is not my own. It belongs to Jesus.

So, let’s add a J to our THINK acronym. THINK - Jesus. Is it true, kind, inspiring, necessary, kind, and does it reflect Jesus? Would He approve? After all, what better friend do you have on social media?

You can also use the handy list Paul gives us in Colossians 3: 12-14 as a check for any post you plan to make. Is what you are posting compassionate? Kind? Humble? Gentle? Patient? Does it exalt forgiveness? Is it, overall, full of love? Does it promote unity?

Also consider, as in every aspect of our lives, it’s the heart of the action that matters most.

Please post those family pictures. They are my favorites. But, also maybe ask yourself if you are doing it out of pride.

Share that Bible verse if you feel comfortable (or, that awesome blog post *wink wink*). But, as you do so, make sure you aren’t posting out of a sense of self-righteousness.

We all need a good laugh, so post those clean, funny memes, but make sure you aren’t using them as cover for your hidden hatred of a specific group.

If it doesn’t fit in the THINK - J list, maybe don’t post it at all.

A side note: Election season will be here before you know it. If you are a Christian, please think carefully before posting about politics because one, truth in the political realm is very hard to find and validate; two, most political posts are just plain mean; and three, it would be a sad thing to be known for your hatred of one political party rather than your love of Jesus.

Question to Consider:

Would you add anything to the THINK- J acronym to use as a guideline for posting to social media? Are there any particular posts Christians in your feeds seem to post that would not fit one or more areas of the acronym?

Challenge Activity

Look at the two columns below. Using our THINK- J acronym, decide/discuss if each post should be shared with the masses (your friends/followers). If it is neutral, what might make it sharable or not? Are there any other types of posts you would add to the list?

T - is it true?

H - is it helpful?

I - is it inspiring?

N - is it necessary?

K - is it kind?

J - is it Jesus approved? (showing compassion, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, love, and unity)

Types of posts someone might make

• Family photos

• Selfies with filters

• Political rants

• Crude memes

• Bible verses

• Personal testimony

• Updates on feelings/stresses

• How-to videos

• Life updates (new car/baby/house/job, etc)

• Chain letter type posts (if you don’t forward this, you will have bad luck, etc.)

• A song you love

• A treatise on how the other political party is wrong and anti-Christian

• Memes/jokes that belittle someone/group of people

• (Add your own)