Four days ago, new stats were released detailing how people use Facebook. Some of the most interesting statistics include the average number of daily users (936 million) and how many monthly users Facebook has (1.44 billion). Clearly, people enjoy Facebook. Whether it’s simply to keep up with friends and loved ones who live miles away or to watch funny videos to pass the time, the majority of people you come in contact with in your life will be active Facebook users.

So how is a Christian to use that to his/her advantage?

We know from Scripture that a Christian is to only do things that will glorify God (Col. 1:10, 1 Cor. 6:20). In all that we do, everything is to be done in the name of Jesus (Col. 3:17). The problem is, sometimes we forget that everything also means online. We hide behind the anonymous nature of the internet, then say and do things that don’t reflect our Savior. On Facebook, it’s not even anonymous! Yet sometimes people forget that their influence reaches even into the virtual world.

So, today I’m giving you tips for using Facebook as a Christian. Maybe, if we’ll all implement some of these ideas, we can help the world change their viewpoint of Christians, and ultimately change their viewpoint of Jesus.

TIPS FOR USING FACEBOOK AS A CHRISTIAN:

DO Share scriptures – Flooding your friends’ newsfeeds with uplifting words and God’s thoughts on cultural matters will help share your beliefs without tempting you to give your own commentary that could lead to arguments.

DON’T Share links that contain euphemisms or inappropriate abbreviations – Even if the video is funny or the recipe sounds delicious, sharing something that uses language a Christian shouldn’t gives the wrong impression to a watching world.

DO Share helpful blog posts – If something blesses your life and may say things to your friends/family that you can’t articulate, share those things with them! Flooding newsfeeds with truth is much better than the alternative! However…

DON’T Share blog posts to stir up controversy- As a blogger, I understand that it’s sometimes tempting to want to weigh in on controversial matters. I do my best not to, because I feel like it stirs up trouble. However, sometimes people publish things that they shouldn’t, but that doesn’t mean you have to share it. If you know a certain post will probably incite a comment war, steer clear. It is better for you to read and agree privately than to share it and cause nonChristians to get a bad taste in their mouth when it comes to Jesus and/or His followers.

DO ‘Like’ wholesome posts and stories – There is far too much negativity on the internet. If something is heartwarming, share it! Like it! Get the word out! But…

DON’T Like argumentative posts that show you condone dissension in the body of Christ – Perhaps a precursor to this comment should have been don’t get into Facebook arguments, but that seems like common sense! Still, some people do. But when it happens, don’t get caught up in the ‘liking’ trap, where you like certain comments that show you’re on so-and-so’s side. Instead, hide that from your news feed! Or, privately message the original poster and ask them to remove the post if it is causing a spot or wrinkle to come upon Christ’s bride.

DO Post things showing you love your spouse and love marriage – The sad truth is that divorce rates are just as high with those professing Christianity as those who don’t. As God’s people, our marriages must glorify Him! Let’s show the world we love our spouse, we love being married, and we love God’s institution of marriage!

DON’T Use harmful hashtags like #mcm or #wcw that make it seem like having crushes are harmless within a married context – The fact is, your spouse is your life-long crush. No celebrity or athlete should ever fill that space! You are committed to your spouse for life (as God’s plan prescribes), so don’t give the watching world the impression that we should be allowed certain cheats.

DO Write on people’s walls to encourage them or praise them for doing deeds worthy of the gospel of Christ – People share at varying levels on Facebook. When you find out someone is sick or someone is struggling, encourage them. Use this information to your advantage! Take them food, pray for them with your congregation (and then let them know!). Do anything you can to encourage someone to either obey the gospel, or to continue living their life in view of heaven.

DON’T Use vague statuses to talk about people without having to be confrontational – Matthew 18:15-17 still tells us how to deal with those who sin against us. It does not say to go and talk about them without using their name so that we can either shame them or make people feel sorry for us. If you have a problem, take it to that person!  Don’t allow yourself to hold a grudge, and don’t tempt others to gossip!

DO Ask for prayers and glorify God in the hard moments of life – As a Christian, your life won’t be perfect. Sometimes, we’re tempted to just show the ‘good’ on Facebook, but that’s not always the ‘real’. Instead, show that Christian’s do go through hard times, but we go through them differently. We go through them with God, Who gives us strength!

DON’T Complain – The easiest way to look like our culture is to be a people who complain. Philippians 2:14-15 stills says don’t complain, and that way, you can be a light to the watching world. Facebook is full of negativity, but as a child of God, don’t buy into that! Use your words (even the ones you type instead of say) to glorify God, encourage His people, and bring honor to the name of Jesus.

There are many other tips we could give, but perhaps these will help us to make Facebook a little brighter in the coming weeks. Remember, in all you do, in word or deed, do all in the name of Jesus Christ.