How would you rate your use of social media as a Christian? Allen Parr points out some of the traps Christians should avoid.

Talking Points:

  • The Coveting Trap: This is when we begin coveting someone else’s platform, influence, success, or other social media capital. Exodus 20:17
  • The Venting Trap: Christians should exercise caution in what they say on social media and the tone they take while doing so. Proverbs 29:11
  • The Comparison Trap: It is easy to compare your reality to somebody else’s highlight reel and feel bad about your life. Galatians 5:19-21
  • The Time Trap: Social media can cause us to waste a lot of time. The average American spends 3.5 hours per day on social media.
  • The Secrecy Trap: Social media may be conducive to having secret, illicit relationships with friends or old acquaintances.
  • The Distraction Trap: Social media can distract us from building meaningful and engaging real-life relationships.
  • The Co-signing Trap: Like it or not, what we share on social media is a reflection not just of us as individuals, but of Christianity on the whole. 2 Corinthians 5:20
Discussion:
  1. Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
  2. What social media platforms do you use most? 
  3. What are some good things you’ve seen happen because of social media? What are some bad things you’ve seen happen because of social media?
  4. Read Exodus 20:17. What are some things you or others often covet from seeing social media posts? Why does the idea of coveting make the top 10 list of God’s rules?
  5. Read Proverbs 29:11. Have you ever been involved in a social media argument? Why did you get involved? What happened in the end? Was there any lasting change or impact that came from the argument?
  6. How much time would you estimate you spend on social media daily? How does this compare with the time you spend doing other things like cooking, working, studying, etc.? How does it compare to the time you spend in your Bible, in prayer, personal worship, or face-to-face fellowship with other Christians?
  7. Read 2 Corinthians 5:20. How have you failed in the past to represent Christ on social media? What did you learn from that experience?
  8. Have you known of a relationship that has struggled or even ended because of online infidelity? Share the story as you are able and comfortable.
  9. Overall, do you think social media is more of a blessing or more of a hindrance in your life? Explain.
  10. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?

 

 

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