Social Media, Students, and The Gospel

Over 4 billion people around the world are on social media. Let that number sink in for a minute. That’s almost half the population. 

Our culture has changed. Communication has changed. Individuals, companies, and even churches are focusing their time and energy around creating an “online presence.” This presence paints a picture. In this picture, you can filter, delete, and create any persona desired. This public persona has an eerie resemblance to The Picture of Dorian Gray….one of my high school favorites. A profile may look one way to the world, just like Mr. Gray, but in reality, many of the “influencers” we look at could be neglecting to tend to their soul….. Our students (and ourselves) could be neglecting to tend to our souls. 

The honest truth is that I struggled writing this piece specifically for our students. Many of us struggle with social media. I know I do. In fact, this seems to be one of those sermons that pastors preach where they are “preaching to themselves.” This is for me. This may be for you. And, this is definitely for our students.

 The students in our ministries are following suit to this drastic, mindless, self-centered change in society. They are not only focused on creating an online presence, instead many are finding their very identity online.

It’s easy to forget that the internet is a battleground for our hearts and minds. The good thing about a battlefield is that it can be won. Thankfully, victory is ours when we dwell deeply with the Savior. When handled with extreme care, social media can be a Gospel-infused force that exalts the name of Jesus. It can be a source of good and encouragement….if we are vigilant and purposeful in its use. 

 As we walk students through proper usage of their social media, the reality is that change must start with us. Inventory your use of social media as you ponder the following questions and topics. Then, lead your students while being honest with your own struggle.

Foremost, Social Media is a Battleground for Spiritual Warfare.

We are in a daily battle. Satan desires to have the attention and affection of our students, and he likes to be sneaky. We must teach our students to be on guard when they are on social media. Consider this….

”We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.” - 1 Corinthians 10:5 

 Here are three(ish) questions to ponder as we encourage students to take every thought captive:

1. Where is my identity?

One of my favorite podcasts recently addressed the issue of social media. The speaker, Zack Mabry from Snowbird Wilderness Outfitters, stated, “Our culture is telling a narrative that is contrary to the Gospel and social media is the tool that our culture is using to catechize us.”

That quote cuts straight to the heart of the issue. Catechisms are short, repetitive questions and answers that the historic church used to teach Biblical truth. They were reviewed over and over again so that an individual knew the truth of the Gospel and could recognize falsehood.

Likewise, social media is trying to teach our students to think. They constantly take in short bits of information. Eventually, if they aren’t careful, they begin to find their identity in the things they consume online instead of in the life-changing blood of Jesus.

2. Who is the hero of my feed?

Everyone wants to be the hero….of their own feed. One area of spiritual warfare takes place who takes the throne of our social media. Are students seeking to make themselves known or are they seeking to make Christ known? Selfie culture says look at me, but Scripture says look at Jesus!

3. Will my followers be drawn closer to Jesus because of my feed? What am I telling the world about the Savior through my posts?

As believers, we represent Christ to the world. Some may never read the Bible. Therefore, we (and our students) are the only exposure to Jesus they may ever see. What are they seeing? Are they seeing us fight (even though fighting makes no difference for the Gospel)? Are they seeing hypocrisy? Students must consider these questions.

We are the Bride of Christ. The bride is to set apart for the Bridegroom. We will look different. We should sound different. We should be for Jesus and for the Gospel.  

4. Is social media drawing me closer to Jesus?

Overall, one must consider whether social media is drawing us closer to Jesus? Honestly, I am so convicted in this area. Often, I retreat to social media simply to see what the latest drama is (cue Michael Jackson eating popcorn GIF) or to simply escape from thinking. Yet, in this escape, I am taken captive by thoughts of disunity, gossip, and pride. 

Likewise, we must encourage our students to spend their time and effort on things that draw them to Jesus. Please hear me, there can be good things on social media. Encourage students to clean out their newsfeeds. Exhort them to focus on Gospel-centered encouragement. They should follow accounts that stir their affections for Christ. 

Social media is here to stay. It can be used for good when properly handled but must be handled with care. Let’s not miss the chance to encourage and challenge our students (and ourselves) in this area. Thanks for reading and spending your time on (hopefully) encouraging social media content. I pray that it encourages you to consider the battlefield that is online and to arm your students with the tools needed to fight for the glory of God in this space.