⏱️ Estimated Reading Time: 3 min read
A Biblical Approach to Social Media
Question: What Does the Bible Say About Social Media Use?
The Bible and the Digital Age. Social media is never directly mentioned in Scripture, yet the wisdom of God’s Word speaks powerfully into how we use it. As Christians, we are not called to escape the digital world, but to engage it wisely, truthfully, and redemptively (Colossians 4:5–6). How we interact online flows out of who we are in Christ and reveals much about the condition of our hearts.
The Heart Revealed
Jesus taught, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45). In today’s terms we might say, “Out of the overflow of the heart, the fingers type.” What we post, like, and share reveals what we treasure (Matthew 6:21).
Social media is never neutral. It magnifies what already resides in us. If our hearts are fixed on the glory of God, our online presence will reflect that. If our hearts are fixed on self, pride, envy, and division will inevitably spill out. The question, then, is not only what are we posting? but also who are we becoming because of it?
Common Pitfalls
- Pride: Boasting in ourselves rather than in the Lord (Jeremiah 9:23–24).
- Comparison: Feeding discontent and envy (James 3:16).
- Division: Stirring up endless debates and harsh arguments (2 Timothy 2:23–25).
- Falsehood: Spreading rumors or partial truths without discernment (Ephesians 4:25).
Each of these dangers corrodes both our witness and our walk with Christ if left unchecked.
A Call to Discernment
Scripture sets a higher standard. Philippians 4:8 calls us to think on whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy. If these are to guide our thought life, should they not also shape our online life?
Likewise, 1 Corinthians 10:31 reminds us that even in posting, commenting, or scrolling, we are to do “all to the glory of God.” Social media is not an exception to this command; it is a context in which we can either honor Christ or obscure Him.
Redeeming Our Digital Habits
Christians can approach social media redemptively by applying biblical principles to their daily online practices:
- Use your words to build up rather than tear down (Ephesians 4:29).
- Share truth and the hope of the gospel (Romans 1:16).
- Stay connected to godly community and stir up one another to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24–25).
- Model self-control, a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23).
Such habits transform social media from a platform of distraction or division into an opportunity for discipleship, encouragement, and witness.
Final Thoughts
Social media is a powerful tool. Like any tool, it can be wielded for great good or for great harm. The question is not only what we are doing online, but who we are becoming as a result of it.
As followers of Christ, we must redeem our digital habits through a mind renewed by God’s Word (Romans 12:2). Whether we post Scripture, encourage believers, or simply stay informed, our engagement should clearly reflect Christ in the midst of a noisy and confused world.
Check out Contending for the Word Q&A at Servants of Grace and at our YouTube.
Dave Jenkins is happily married to his wife, Sarah. He is a writer, editor, and speaker living in beautiful Southern Oregon. Dave is a lover of Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology. He serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries, the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine, the Host and Producer of Equipping You in Grace Podcast, and is a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word. He is the author of The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021), The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age (G3 Press, 2022), and Contentment: The Journey of a Lifetime (Theology for Life, 2024). You can find him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, or read his newsletter. Dave loves to spend time with his wife, going to movies, eating at a nice restaurant, or going out for a round of golf with a good friend. He is also a voracious reader, in particular of Reformed theology, and the Puritans. You will often find him when he’s not busy with ministry reading a pile of the latest books from a wide variety of Christian publishers. Dave received his M.A.R. and M.Div through Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.
