Today, social media has become the most dominant platform for communication, expression, and influence. While technology is not inherently evil, anything that captures our attention, shifts our identity, or draws us away from Christ can become a subtle form of idolatry. The Scriptures, although not directly mentioning social media, provide us with profound principles for wisdom, discernment, and a pure focus.
This post examines the spiritual impact of social media, offers warnings from Scripture, and presents Christ-centred wisdom for navigating daily engagement in this increasingly connected world.
Redeeming the Time #
“Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately… making the very most of the time [buying up each opportunity], because the days are evil.”
— Ephesians 5:15–16 AMP
The Greek word for “time” here is kairos (καιρός, Strong’s G2540), referring not to chronological time, but to appointed, divine opportunities. Social media, though time-saving in one sense, often drains our kairos moments. The average user scrolls for 2.5+ hours daily, slowly but surely surrendering moments that could have been redeemed in prayer, meditation, or true fellowship.
The War for Your Mind #
“Do not be conformed to this world (this age), but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”
— Romans 12:2 AMP
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”
— Colossians 3:2 ESV
Social media feeds are algorithms designed to shape what you love, fear, and desire. It presents a digital world of curated comparison, anger-driven content, and vanity. The Greek word for “conform” in Romans 12:2 is syschēmatizō (συσχηματίζω), meaning “to be moulded by an external pattern.”
If believers are not intentionally renewed in the Word, they will be unconsciously formed by trends, reels, and online noise. Distraction becomes discipleship when left unchecked.
Social Media’s Hidden Spiritual Influences #
| Function | Spiritual Risk | Christlike Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Endless scrolling | Wasting kairos moments, dulled spiritual sensitivity | Meditating on the Word, stillness before God |
| Influencer culture | Self-promotion, vanity, comparison | Humility, servanthood, identity in Christ |
| Likes and validation | Addiction to approval, fear of man | Living for God’s “well done”, not men’s praise |
| Outrage content | Stirring anger, division, and tribalism | Being peacemakers, turning the other cheek |
| Echo chambers | Pride in opinion, resisting correction | Submitting to Scripture and Spirit-led community |
The Illusion of Connection #
“But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self… lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness but denying its power.”
— 2 Timothy 3:1–5 ESV
Social media creates a false sense of intimacy. We “follow” many, “like” often, yet remain deeply disconnected. Emotional shallowness and instant gratification replace spirit-filled fellowship.
The phrase “appearance of godliness” is striking; so much spiritual content online appears biblical, yet lacks the cruciform power of Christ. This is the digital shadow of Laodicea—rich in information, but poor in Spirit.
Christ’s Call: Be Watchful and Sober #
“Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times… Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour.”
— 1 Peter 5:8 AMP
The Greek for “sober” is nēphō (νῆφω, Strong’s G3525), meaning to be calm, collected, and circumspect. Social media thrives on impulsive reactions. But Christ’s life in us produces restraint, peace, and attentiveness to the Father.
Every believer must ask: Is Christ still Lord when I’m online? Do I scroll by the Spirit or by the flesh?
Words That Build or Burn #
“Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word… ever come out of your mouth, but only such speech as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others.”
— Ephesians 4:29 AMP
Online communication is still real speech. It reflects the overflow of the heart (Luke 6:45). Hasty comments, sarcasm, gossip, and cancel culture are not neutral—they are spiritual acts.
To post is to preach. To share is to bear fruit. To type is to testify.
What Would Christ Do on Social Media? #
Let us consider the posture of our Lord. He would not seek to “go viral” but to glorify the Father. He would not perform for clicks, but draw men into deeper truth. He would not stir division, but extend truth with grace.
“For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command—what I should say and what I should speak.”
— John 12:49 NKJV
Let our tongues, digital or physical, speak only what the Father commands.
Practical Wisdom for Spirit-led Social Media Use #
| Practice | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Limit screen time | To guard your time and focus (Ephesians 5:16) |
| Follow accounts that feed your spirit | To be built up, not broken down (Philippians 4:8) |
| Set fasting days from social media | To detox and renew spiritual hunger (Matthew 6:17–18) |
| Use your platform to share Christ | To redeem digital ground for the Kingdom (Matthew 28:19–20) |
| Invite accountability | So you’re not enslaved secretly (Galatians 6:2) |
In Christ,
Shaliach.
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