Following Christ in a Social Media World

Ron Swanson goes on the internet https://youtu.be/ABY3GLf7wU4

2 Guiding Principles Matthew 10:16 “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves.”

2 Guiding Principles 1. Be Vigilant to Remain Innocent

2. Wisely Use the Internet for Good

How should I use social media?

1.Limit the amount

All social media is addictive by design!

How should I use social media?

1.Limit the amount

1 Corinthians 6:12 All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything.

How should I use social media?

1.Limit the amount • Practice Sabbath from electronics • Ban devices from meals • Schedule off-hours • Set up restricted spaces

How should I use social media?

1.Limit the amount

2.Assume EVERYONE will see EVERYTHING

3.Consider the CONTENT

How should I use social media?

Ephesians 4:29 Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.

How should I use social media?

1.Limit the amount

2.Assume EVERYONE will see EVERYTHING

3.Consider the CONTENT

If I wouldn’t say it face-to-face, I won’t say it online. Period.

@hiphopaugustine

How should I use social media?

1.Limit the amount

2.Assume EVERYONE will see EVERYTHING

3.Consider the CONTENT

4.Consider your MOTIVES

5.Consider the CONSEQUENCES

SLOW IT DOWN… pause before posting

How should I help my kids?

1.TRAIN them • Teach them the principles we just covered • Discuss internet safety • Discuss porn • Discuss online bullying

How should I help my kids?

1.TRAIN them

2.Set BOUNDARIES

Smartphones are not a RIGHT, they are a RESPONSIBILITY.

How should I help my kids?

1.TRAIN them

2.Set BOUNDARIES

3.Provide OVERSIGHT

Good news: Your child actually wants your help!

Keep this conversation going

Resources

Nancy Jo Sales, “American Girls: Social Media and the Secret Lives of Teenagers”

Nicholas Carr, “The Shallows: What the Internet Is Doing

to Our Brains” Andy Crouch, The Tech-Wise Family