Navigating Social Media: A Christian's Guide to Engaging Faithfully and Wisely
- TBenton
- Jun 3
- 15 min read
Social media has become an integral part of everyday life, shaping how we communicate, connect, and share ideas.
For many Christians, including myself, navigating this vast online arena can be both an opportunity and a challenge. The potential for fostering faith-based conversations is immense, but so too is the risk of miscommunication or distractions from spiritual goals.
This guide aims to provide practical insights on how Christians can engage on social media in a manner that aligns with their faith.
Photo courtesy of Tracy Le Blanc
Understanding the Landscape
The sheer scale of platforms available, from Facebook to Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter), means that each offers unique opportunities for engagement. Understanding how these platforms influence behaviors and emotions can help Christians utilize them effectively.
By recognizing the distinct cultures of various social media sites, we can assess what type of content is appropriate, as well as the tone and the style of communication that resonates with audiences. Each platform has its unique characteristics and user expectations that shape the way content is created and consumed.
For instance, Instagram, known for its visually driven content, thrives on stunning images and aesthetically pleasing visuals that capture the essence of creativity and beauty. Users on this platform often seek inspiration and connection through visual storytelling, which presents an excellent opportunity for Christians to share uplifting and faith-affirming images that reflect their beliefs and values. Our very own Instagram page, https://www.instagram.com/blissful_health_org/, is filled with stunning images from the articles you will find here.
On the other hand, Facebook serves as a more traditional social networking site where users engage with longer-form content, such as thought-provoking articles, discussions, and community interactions. This platform allows for deeper conversations and the sharing of ideas, making it an ideal space for Christians to engage in meaningful dialogue about their faith, share testimonies, and discuss theological concepts. I am extremely grateful that our own Facebook page @https://www.facebook.com › 61574843921250 allows our readers to engage with us and others in the Christian community on platforms other than just our website. Thought-provoking articles and posts can prompt reflection and inspire others to explore their own beliefs, fostering a sense of community among like-minded individuals.
Platforms such as X, with its emphasis on brevity and immediacy, require a different approach. Here, Christians can share quick insights, scripture verses, or motivational quotes that can spark interest and encourage others in their daily lives. The fast-paced nature of X also allows for real-time engagement during events, discussions, or trending topics, providing opportunities for Christians to voice their perspectives and contribute to broader conversations.
Photos courtesy of Juicy_Fish on Freepik
Lastly, platforms like TikTok have emerged as powerful tools for storytelling through short videos, where creativity and authenticity reign supreme. This platform allows Christians to express their faith in innovative ways, using humor, music, and visual effects to reach a younger audience that may be more receptive to messages delivered in a fun and engaging format.
The diversity of content across these various social media platforms invites Christians to reflect on their story and consider how they can effectively communicate and engage with their faith in a manner that resonates with the unique cultures of each site.
In this way, social media becomes not just a tool for communication but a vital space for ministry and connection, allowing Christians to share the love of Christ in a multitude of creative and impactful ways. We are blessed to be able to reach so many with the story of our testimony and faith.
Building an Online Community
Photo courtesy of Ketut Subiyanto
One of the strongest aspects of social media is its ability to connect like-minded individuals. Christians can use social media to seek out and build community, engaging in uplifting conversations and prayer intercessions. This can be particularly effective in groups dedicated to specific interests or spiritual growth.
I belong to several online faith-based communities, and these communities allow me the opportunity to pray with, pray for, and otherwise engage with believers around the world. What an amazing thing! We have the opportunity to be a part of a worldwide Christian community! But with my online engagement and presence, there is also a responsibility to utilize my online time wisely and to reflect God in my engagements.
"Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble." (1 John 2:10, NIV).
It is important to be a part of a strong Christian community, and crucial to approach community building with the intention of fostering authentic relationships rather than passive scrolling. Engaging in discussions, sharing personal testimonies, and being supportive of others can significantly enhance the sense of fellowship.
Our online engagement as Christians should be something we enjoy and something that brings us closer to God. Do not seek our own praise but praise for Him. For example, most often I do not even acknowledge the likes on the things I post on my personal social media pages. I am not there to seek likes. I am there to express my true, authentic, self and to shine a light on God. On my business pages at Blissful-Faith.org and Blissful-Health.org I engage with those who respond to my posts as a way of letting them know I am right there with them. I want these sites to be a journey we take together as we both learn together along the way. But, again, as Christians we should seek to help others and keep the focus on God.
It is also easy to replace quality with quantity online. We live in a world of more and instant gratification, so it is important to ask ourselves how each follow, like, group, or engagement helps us grow in our faith. If the things we are investing time and energy in do not align with our faith, it may be time to make adjustments to refocus our social media activity on God.
For instance, our Blissful-Faith.org social media pages welcome comments and storytelling and (hopefully) provide thoughtful articles and resources for both believers and non-believers alike. Our goal is to inform, engage, and lead others to God, and so we must make sure we do not stray from this goal. Consistent reading and researching the Word of God helps us to evaluate our online engagement and stay aligned with our faith.
As Christians, we should ensure we are thoughtfully representing God through our engagement on all of our social media pages. Here at Blissful-Faith.org, we proclaim our love for God loudly, we research and study the word of God to ensure we are truthful in our writing, and we are grateful to have these social media platforms to share our love and testimonies for Christ.
Curating Content Wisely
In a world filled with information overload, it becomes essential to be selective and thoughtful with the type of content we consume or share. Christians are called to be discerning, thoughtful, and engage with materials that reflect their values and beliefs.
Photo courtesy of Charlotte May
This may take some work on your part. I know it did for us. We slowly examined every group, entity, or person we followed. We asked questions such as: Were they prideful, boastful, or sinful in their posting? Were they constantly casting a negative light on the world and on other people? Did they respect our love for God the same as we could respect and love them if they did not believe? If so, we would either delete or simply unfollow them so we were not exposed to their constant negative, sinful, boastful, lustful, or prideful posts.
We are not about excluding, but we are about approaching what we view and what we are exposed to in a discerning manner that aligns with the teachings of God. With the constant bombardment of images and words you receive online and through social media, these sorts of adjustments are sometimes necessary.
"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." (Philippians 4:8, NIV).
Again, this can involve a regular assessment of whom to follow, what to like or share, and how to respond to others' posts. Engaging with content that promotes spiritual growth, encourages community bonding, or offers sound biblical teachings can help maintain focus on faith-related goals.
Equally, it is vital to recognize harmful content that could lead one away from the teachings of Christ. Suggestive images, negative or hateful words, and arguing in the comments section are everywhere.
It is a choice to allow them to distract you, engage you, or enrage you. You have the choice to make necessary changes to ensure this sort of harmful and sinful content does not reach your eyes and ears. And, when they do (because, of course, sometimes they slip through), it is again a choice to immediately delete such content instead of allowing yourself to become distracted by it and engage with it. The world is filled with such content, but trust me, if you are attentive and discerning, your social media pages will soon be filled with Godly and uplifting messages pleasing to God.
The content we read or create on any of our webpages should align with our soul and spirit in God. It should show His love, His spirit, and His ways. Not ours, but His. It should uplift, encourage, direct others to the source of our joy and light, and be respectful and loving. This is our job, our goal.
It is important to thoughtfully consider the media we receive or write about. Does it lift us spiritually? Does it bring us back to God? Does it make us reflect on ourselves and how we can better align ourselves with the will of God? Is it uplifting and instills joy in our hearts? Does it encourage us to lift others and encourage others? Asking yourself all of these questions will help you better curate the pages on your social media. Just ask anyone on our Facebook page and elsewhere, and they will tell you our pages are like God Love Bombs! And we are so happy they are!
Photo courtesy of RDNE Stock Project
We want to uplift, encourage, show respect, and show our love, but mostly show the love of God, to anyone who views our pages. We want to make people smile and make people see their worth in God. We sincerely hope we accomplish that.
By consciously choosing content that uplifts rather than distracts from our faith, Christians can ensure that their social media feed is a source of inspiration and strength. As it should be.
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." (Ephesians 4:29, NIV).
Engaging with Love and Respect
Social media interactions can sometimes escalate into heated discussions. It is important for Christians to engage with others in a spirit of love and respect, irrespective of differing opinions. The teachings of Christ emphasize the importance of love, even towards those with whom we disagree.
"Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." (Colossians 3:12, NIV).
Photo courtesy of Freepik
Trust me, I know, this is not always easy. So many discussions on social media platforms turn into a political fight or an anti-this or anti-that argument, even when the subject has nothing to do with the topic at hand.
In all honesty, for a while, I found myself getting right into the fray, but as I read more of the Word of God, I realized that while it is fine to share your beliefs, you must guard your tongue and wield it wisely. The Bible is full of guidance on how to live our best lives, and the verse below found in Proverbs is an excellent example of how we should show discipline in our lives, including our words and how we wield them.
"The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." (Proverbs 12:18, NIV).
So, while I would never dissuade someone from sharing their message, especially their message of God, it may be best to again use discernment and the teachings of the Bible on how best to share your message. Calmly articulating beliefs while listening actively to others fosters constructive dialogue.
"Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down." (Proverbs 26:20 (NIV).
When engaging in discussions, Christians should aim to reflect the love of Christ, understanding that everyone is on their own spiritual journey. As we engage online, we should remember we share the online space with both believers and non-believers, and we should show each equal respect and love.
For example, my husband's cousin Tracy is a beautiful, bold, genuine person, and I love and respect her very much. She has made it known that she is not a believer in Christ; she is on her own personal spiritual journey. Still, that does not stop her from enjoying some of the Christian things I post or write, and calmly discussing things in a respectful manner. I love this about her. She can find the light in some of the things I write or share, even though her beliefs differ from mine. She does not compromise her beliefs, and she does not expect others to compromise theirs. She is honest and authentic, and while, of course, I wish she were a believer (I wish this for all), I can still respect her and love her honest, transparent boldness that reveals her loving and genuine heart. 🥰
We must remember it is not our job to change others. Our job is to live in a way that honors God for all to see. It is our job to respect those who view things differently than we do and still be able to openly communicate with these people and respect their worldview.
"My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires." (James 1:19-20, NIV).
Being quick to listen and slow to speak—drawing from James 1:19-20—can create a more productive environment for conversations about faith, ethics, and moral values, allowing for mutual understanding.
I want to reach people, not offend people. I want to have an open dialogue and have them feel they may have the same with me. We can be unwavering in our faith while still being respectful of those around us. James 1:19-20 helps us to remember this.
Photo courtesy of Ketut Subiyanto
Setting Healthy Boundaries
While social media can offer significant advantages, it can also become a source of frustration, anxiety, or unhealthy comparison. As believers, it is wise to set boundaries regarding social media use, ensuring it serves rather than detracts from spiritual growth.
Evaluating where we get our media and what that media directs us towards is extremely important. As Christians, we should always look for content that uplifts and honors God while removing what does not. In this way, we may focus our attention on leading a spiritual life worthy of following God.
Although it wasn't always so, my social media pages are now filled with verses, prayers, articles, uplifting messages, and the thoughtful spiritual writings of other Christian bloggers. They are uplifting and faith-filled.
Like I stated earlier, this wasn't always the way my social media pages looked. As a new Christian, I had to learn how to create and curate spiritually filled pages and make choices to set healthy boundaries on my social media so my online time did not take the place of my spiritual engagement time. I slowly increased my faith-filled social media content and decreased the noise of unhealthy and sinful content. Now my time online increases and enhances my time with God rather than distracts me from Him.
Using features such as "Do Not Disturb" hours or designating specific times for social media can help maintain a balanced, healthy relationship with these platforms as well. I set alarms and timers for many things in my life, including my time on social media. This allows me to focus on other important things in my life and has allowed me to create a healthy faith-work-life balance.
Social media is important. My husband and I use social media to keep up to date with the happenings of our family in England. We love looking at the pictures of everyone living and enjoying life, but creating healthy cut-off points is an essential way to also be engaged in our own lives, our marriage, our community, and most importantly, our commitment to God.
If you find yourself spending too much time on social media and find your time lacking in other important areas of your life consider setting boundaries with your online time and you will soon find more time for the other joys and responsibilities in your life.
Modeling Integrity & Transparency
Digital footprints are permanent, and the way Christians engage on social media speaks volumes about their character. It is essential to model integrity by being honest and genuine in interactions.
By showcasing authenticity, Christians can become beacons of light for others navigating similar online environments, providing guidance and hope in a digital landscape that can often feel overwhelming and isolating. Authenticity in this context means more than just being true to oneself; it involves a commitment to genuine interactions, where individuals are encouraged to express their true thoughts and feelings, even when it may be uncomfortable or challenging. This authenticity can manifest in various ways, including owning mistakes and taking responsibility for one's actions.
Admittedly, my husband and I used to get fairly political on some social media websites. We had strong opinions, and everyone was shouting their opinion at that time, so we, sadly, followed suit. But the deeper we dove into the Word of God, we realized that while it is perfectly fine to be true to your beliefs, we did not have to share them with the world.
We both vowed that while we would still be true to our beliefs, we would also thoughtfully read and sometimes respond to the opinions of others with love, care, and respect. From then on, we made the conscious choice not to allow ourselves to be so caught up in the passionate whirlwind of politics that we voice those opinions for all to read.
We will still vote how we vote, and others will still vote how they vote, and that is perfectly alright. We are blessed to live in a country where we are all allowed to do so. It is important for Christians to understand that everyone is entitled to their beliefs, and the best way to guide them to the light of Christ is through honest, respectful, thoughtful, and truthful living and discussion.
It is not our job to change or fix people. It is our job to love them, as they are, where they are, and hope that our lives reflect the light of God so brightly that they become curious and open-minded enough to take a peek at this Jesus they hear so much about.
"But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect" (1 Peter 3:15, NIV).
By sharing personal stories of struggle and triumph, Christians can provide relatable examples that resonate with those who may be facing similar challenges. This transparency not only builds trust but also strengthens the community, as individuals come together to support one another in their respective paths. In essence, by embodying these principles of authenticity, Christians can illuminate the way for others, offering a sense of belonging and understanding in the often tumultuous world of online interactions.
People are not perfect, and this includes Christians. There are no perfect people since Jesus left our earth. Exhibiting transparency allows you to show others the true you, the authentic you, the relatable you, and is one of the most honest and faith-filled ways to share your story.
Conclusion
In a world often rife with negativity, Christians are called to be salt and light. With careful and thoughtful engagement, the online experience can reflect the love and teachings of Christ, encouraging not only personal spiritual growth but also uplifting others in the community. Being a Christian is more than just believing, it is a responsibility. A responsibility to share the Word of God and exhibit the qualities of God.
"Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." (Colossians 4:6, NIV).
Through these principles, navigating social media can become a transformative experience, enhancing one’s faith journey while fostering strong connections in a digital age.
At the end of this article, you will find links to guide your social media journey as well as faith-based social media pages and apps.
When I click on my Facebook or Instagram pages, I am flooded with the images and words of God. Throughout my day, this reminds me to stay focused on Him. Everything I do, everything I say, and everything I write should reflect Him. Social media provides us with useful tools to practice discernment, boundaries, discipline, and to shine the light on God and His ways. This is my responsibility and your responsibility as a Christian through the utilization of the amazing world of social media.
The online world is an opportunity to display the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—one post or comment at a time. 💖
Photo courtesy of PV Productions
Here's to your Blissful Faith! ❤️
T. Benton
Owner & Writer @Blissful-Faith.org
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Loved this article! I read it with my two teenagers to help them use social media responsibly. Thanks!