The gospel teaches us to always be truthful (Eph. 4:25; Col. 3:9). That includes our language and conduct on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. It is so important, when we are active on these platforms, to maintain and advance the virtues of godliness and righteousness, always being “children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world” (Phil. 2:15).

Best-selling author Lisa Bevere noted, “There’s a huge danger when it comes to social media, because there’s often no accountability” (“Lisa Bevere Cautions Christians Using Social Media: Just Because It’s Viral Doesn’t Mean God Approves,” Leah MarieAnn Klett, christianpost.com).  Our accountability to God ought to inform and flavor our conduct online (2 Cor. 5:10). With that in mind, consider some practical applications for all of us who are on social media.

Beware the Mob Mentality

The anonymity of social media can be a great temptation to say whatever we want to say without any (supposed) consequences. We should remember we will give an account of every idle word in the day of judgment before posting careless, hurtful comments (Matt. 12:36-37).  Our words on the internet must be seasoned with grace, not loaded with animosity (Col. 4:6).

The mob mentality thrives on the expectation of remaining faceless and nameless. Yet, we are known by name to our Creator, who always sees us (Heb. 4:13). Rushing headlong with the crowd to do and to condone evil was sin in Israel, and it continues to be so (Exo. 23:2; Eph. 5:11). Just because everyone gives a “like” to something does not mean you should. Be thoughtful and careful where you put your influence on social media, because it will be there for a very long time.

Verify Before You Share and Retweet

There is no question that some things we read on the internet stir our moral, religious and political zeal. It just has to be true, because we want it to be true (perhaps, because it confirms what we already believe). But, are we sure the information is accurate? Or, we do just “run with it?” Have we verified the source of the information? Are we confident it is true? Or, do we thoughtlessly forward it on, never even considering its accuracy? (Isn’t that how “fake news” gets to be “fake?”)

The Scriptures teach us to be careful with the information we communicate to others. If the tongue is a deadly fire, then the computer or cellphone keyboard is a raging inferno (Jas. 3:5-8). We should slow down and consider before spreading information online: It is true? Does it promote righteousness? Am I being an example of godliness by transmitting this? Am I supporting truth or error, goodness or evil? Scripture says, “The heart of the righteous studies how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil” (Prov. 15:28).

We expose ourselves to shame when we fail to pause and verify what is true: “He who answers a matter before he hears it, It is folly and shame to him” (Prov. 18:13). We also expose ourselves to correction that otherwise would be unnecessary: “The first one to plead his cause seems right, until his neighbor comes and examines him” (Prov. 18:17).

When we are active on the internet and social media, this humorous reminder should help us maintain an honest perspective about accepting and forwarding what we find there: “Not everything you read on the internet is true.” -Abraham Lincoln 

Watch Your Language

The “comments” sections of websites are full of terrible remarks. Social media is filled with extremely coarse, vulgar, and abusive language. Such expressions as “OMG” are commonplace. (After all, it rolls off of tongues millions of times a day, so of course we see it online.) Euphemistic exclamations may seem less offensive than other expletives, but curses such as “Oh my God” are also profane and offensive to God (Exo. 20:7; Lev. 19:12). We speak what is in our hearts (Matt. 12:34-35). Whether it is profanity or other sins of the tongue (like gossip, backbiting, maliciousness, etc.), we must guard against the temptation posed by social media. Self-control cannot go out the window just because we use Windows (or Apple) to communicate with the world.

Do Not Promote Religious Error

We are always to hold fast the word of life, and that includes refusing to be sucked into condoning the religious platitudes and errors so prevalent on social media (Phil. 2:16). Scriptures are often use out of their context and misapplied via social media content. Many religious people on social media want you to “like” their content, their teachings and their activities. It is tempting to do so, instead of first examining whether we should promote or expose what they have said (Eph. 5:11; 2 Jno. 9-11). If it is not the truth of the gospel, let us kindly try to teach them instead of blindly giving our voice to their error (1 Jno. 4:1).

Do Not Promote Immorality

This should go without saying. Yet, we see Christians immodestly dressed in their social media photos. This present age (via social media) is overwhelming the moral sensibilities and values of Christians, young and old. It is better to be spoken evil of by people, yet accepted by God, than to have their praise, but God’s rejection (1 Pet. 4:1-4). We must “come out and be separate,” not blend in to be accepted by the world (2 Cor. 6:17-18).

Much good can be done on social media, including gospel teaching and preaching. These warnings are not intended to hinder godly use of social media. They are meant to remind us of Solomon’s wisdom whenever we spend time online: “The integrity of the upright will guide them, but the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them” (Proverbs 11:3).