Making Our Platforms Less Polarizing

Luke 10:25-37 (NIV) 25 On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?” 27 He answered: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” 28 “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.” 29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 30 In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ 36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” 37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

The Social Media Struggle

I can ignore the people around me because I’m too busy looking at the screen.

I can be drawn into unproductive arguments.

Titus 3:9 (GW) Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments. You know they cause quarrels.

Proverbs 26:21 (GNT) Just as charcoal and wood keep a fire going, a troublemaker keeps an argument going.

Proverbs 26:4 (NLT) Don’t answer their foolish arguments, or you will become as foolish as they are.

I can worry excessively over how I’m perceived.

Matthew 12:36 (GNT) "You can be sure that on the Judgment Day, you will have to give an account to God of every careless word you have ever spoken."

Proverbs 13:10 (NCV) Pride only leads to arguments.

I can be tempted to compete & show off.

Matthew 6:1 (MSG) Be especially careful when you are trying to be good so that you don’t make a performance out of it. It might be good theater, but the God who made you won’t be applauding.

1 Corinthians 4:7 (GNT) Who made you superior to others? Didn’t God give you everything you have? Well, then, how can you boast, as if what you have were not a gift?

Galatians 6:3 (NIV) If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves.

1 Peter 5:6-7 (MSG) So be content with who you are, and don’t put on airs. God’s strong hand is on you; he’ll promote you at the right time.

I can become addicted to the approval of others.

Galatians 1:10 (NIV). Am I trying to win the approval of people or the approval of God?

James 2:1 (MSG) Dear friends, don’t let public opinion influence how you live out our glorious Christ originated faith.

Ecclesiastes 7:21 (CSB) Don’t pay attention to everything people say…

Demonstrating Jesus – 3 Words to Live By

1. Humility.

John 13:3-5 (NIV) 3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

2. Hospitality.

3. Holiness.

1 Peter 2:9 (BBE) But you are a special people, a holy nation, priests and kings, a people given up completely to God, so that you may make clear the virtues of him who took you out of the dark into the light of heaven.

Talk It Over

When you participate in social media, is your goal to be “Instagram-worthy” or to share about who Jesus is and be an example of how he has changed your life?

How does it look to love someone on social media? Can you think of a time where you felt love from someone on social media?
What are some of the ways that you can use social media as a tool to invite people to church or share the gospel with others? Example: click the ’share’ button when you see content that’s helpful.

If you have kids, how do you handle social media with your kids?
How can you practice humility, hospitality, and holiness on social media?

When you’re overwhelmed with playing the comparison game, it’s good to remember what God has done for you. Share or write out a thankful prayer to the Lord, answering this question “How has the Lord provided for me?”

Parents: As a family take a 24 hour break from social media and screen time. Challenge yourselves to something new or use that time to pray for others the Lord puts on your heart!