10 Sept 2017 - How Do You Handle Social Media?

A Practicing Christian ch 10 - How Do You Handle Social Media?

"If you live for Jesus, be an example for Jesus to the best of your abilities. ... Let people see Jesus in your social media posts, not just what they see of you in church on Sunday."

Questions

1. Does the Bible relate at all to our activity on social media?
1. Oh yes. There are a number of passages talking about how our witness needs to be  ready and prepared at all times, that we need to be consistent in our faith and action, that we need to always be aware of what we speak, etc. Social media is just another arena in which we live our daily lives.
2. How can social media be used for the glory of God?
1. By curating and maintaining a presence that glorifies God.
2. By actively using the various platforms to be a voice pointing towards God and rallying others to the cause of God. 
3. How can social media be a stumbling block to others? 
1. By what you post - If what you post is not consistent with the Christ you claim, then it may turn people away from Christ or share a false Gospel about who Christ is and the effect He has on His followers
2. By what you follow - Social media is a tool and, just as good can be done with it, it can be used to spread many ills. Beware, especially on visual platforms that you are not compromising yourself and your integrity in setting yourself up for temptation and sin. Additionally, consider your witness if others see your list of whom you follow.

1 Timothy 4:6-10

"But have nothing to do with irreverent and silly myths. Rather, train yourself in Godliness." - v. 7

First, we see that we are not to keep our minds and eyes on things, particularly beliefs and doctrines, that are not of God. Instead, we should seek Godliness. Now, since Godliness is such a Christianese word, I looked up the definition:

1. Conforming to the laws and wishes of God; devout; pious
2. Coming from God; divine

So, we should be seeking and pursuing the things that come from God and that conform to God's ideals

"[T]raining of the body has a limited benefit, but Godliness is beneficial in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come." - v. 8

Okay, so, we recognise that Paul recognises the benefit of exercise for its health benefits in this earthly life, however, Paul is saying that while exercise is beneficial in this life, pursuing Godliness is of an even greater benefit in that it benefits both this earthly and the later eternal life.

"In fact, we labour and strive for this, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Saviour of everyone, especially of those who believe." - v. 10

And here we have Paul's explanation of why it is that we are to pursue Godliness above exercise and healthy eating: it is because we have put our hope in the living God. Think about it. Most of the super-crunchy health and fitness nuts that I know of usually have put a decent portion of their identity into their physical appearance and health. What they have put their hope in, what they are leaning on to get them through life, is that idea of being in good health and/or being attractive. If we, as Christians have truly put our hope in God, then we should pursue God.

Come to think of it, in many ways I have put my hope in being "smart" and being able to do everything on my own/think my way out of any circumstance. I'm gonna go and take some time to deal with that.