The pressure increases daily for the not so young people like us, more specifically from a business related perspective! In today’s world, many businesses are using social media. I tried to research exactly why they use social media. It was mind boggling for me!
Whilst I am aware that businesses use it for marketing, branding, advertising, communication, and sales promotions, I am also finding out that they use it for informal employee-learning/organizational development. They also use it for competitive analysis, recruiting, relationship management/loyalty programs, and e-Commerce. Additionally, it serves as a monitoring tool, and the list goes on. This is a lot to grasp!
What I am also learning is that the business use of social media is complicated. Many do not fully control their social media presence. Instead, businesses makes its case by participating in the “conversation”. Business uses social media on a customer-organizational level. It is also used on an intra-organizational level. I am somewhat feeling the pressure to be a part of this!
From a non-business perspective, I can appreciate that social media is useful to connect with others and keep updated on recent events. Nevertheless, I am also mindful that it can be a double-edged sword because unregulated use of social media can lead one down a rabbit hole of arguments, unrealistic expectations, and wasted time.
I dwell on this topic and see how I fit into it with my personal beliefs. A good principle for me seems “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31
I am convinced that I must use social media to glorify God and spread messages of hope to others. I must not be picking arguments and spreading negativity. We know that the Internet is not going away anytime soon and platforms can change in the future too. The call for us is to steward our words well. We are called to see a kind of revolution of kindness, “Let our speech be always gracious” (Colossians 4:6).
I love what Paul has to say in Philippians 4:8.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
It is interesting to note that the Bible seems to commend the appropriate use of humor and ridicule and other forms of creative engagement!
- Elijah playfully ridiculed the false prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:27).
- Jesus employed the use of parables and metaphors in communicating truth.
- Paul was often sharp and forthright in his rebuke of the Corinthians.
Sharply worded criticisms, uplifting humor and ridicule, and, at times, sarcasm, can be employed. These can show a faithful Christian witness. Though, this must be done within the boundaries of what is considered civil and wise speech.
- Peter reminds us to be both courageous and civil (1 Peter 3:15) and to treat every single human being with dignity (1 Peter 2:17).
- King David prayed for a mouth that offered words that were “acceptable” in the sight of God (Psalm 19:14).
- Proverbs affirms the value of applying just the right word in the right moment (Proverbs 25:11) and,
- James (James 1:19), rebukes those who speak before thinking (see also Proverbs 17:28; 29:20).
While we should pay attention to the warnings and beware of the pitfalls of the Internet, I am aware that I should not waste time wishing I lived in a bygone era. I should not long for the 1970’s when I was a kid. God has planted me here, in this age, to live out his kingdom purposes.
The digital world needs more light, more hope, more grace. To be an image-bearer is not to sit on our gifts but to use them to create as our Creator creates. We can be the solution to an uncivil, ugly world of social media. Even when we speak up for the vulnerable or declare truth to a world of confusion, we can contribute to a better, more edifying Internet.
INSPIRE 