Over the weekend I have been thinking about social media platforms & maybe getting a Twitter account for GUTS. I know believers have been called to influence the Media. I also believe social media is one of the ways to spread the Gospel to all the world. One time I did a study on the seven spheres, also known as the seven mountains of influence in our culture. These seven mountains are business, government, media, arts & entertainment, education, the family and religion.
Social Media is one of the most influential platforms in our culture today. Because of this, we must stop using social media to help advance the "Kingdom of Self" and the Kingdom of Darkness.
In the culture today when a young black man is shot by a white police officer, before it hits the news it's viral on Twitter, Facebook & YouTube with millions of viewers. An artist in the entertainment world releases a new picture of her butt in a G-string & the pictures hit instagram, Twitter, and YouTube with thousands of likes.
For the church, you post a scripture and you might get a couple of likes. You post a comment lashing out at some church or a leader in the church & people are quick to comment. For many believers, you see a "Godly post" on Monday after Sunday's message but by Wednesday everything goes carnal.
How should we use social media? Should our social media be filled with pictures of our face? Should we spend more time reposting words of man or should it be the word of God? Should we spend more time trying to prove a point to someone or should we spend more time pointing people to Christ. My sister said something so powerful to us last night. "It's not social media that is bad, it's the people on social media that is bad." I believe that we have been called to influence social media. With that being said, if we are going to be on any social media platform our voice must sound different.
God communicated to His people through many different ways. I believe social media is an avenue we can use to reach millions of people with the Good News of Jesus Christ. What does it look like for a believer to use social media to advance the Gospel? I do not have a cookie cutter explanation but the Word of God speaks for itself.
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, Who proclaims peace, Who brings glad tidings of good things, Who proclaims salvation, Who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!” (Is 52:7)
“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, Because the Lord has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound; (Is 61:1)
We can influence social media if we:
1- Bring the Good News of Jesus Christ
2- Proclaim peace
3- Preach good tiding of good things
4- Proclaim salvation
If we use social media the right way:
1- It will Heal the broken hearted
2- It will proclaim liberty to the captives
3- It will open the prison to those who are bound
Still not sure how to move forward with social media platforms. I just want to make sure GUTS advances God's agenda not my own. Whatever platform I use, I want people to be healed, liberated and set free. I pray we all have this heart. If you are a blogger, a stylist, a rapper, a minister, a spoken word artist, a music producer, a missionary or no title at all, your voice (pictures, post, status) must represent the one you serve! It is not a platform to call people out because you disagree with their status or post. It is not a platform to fuss out your co-worker, sister, bother, children, or parents.
I have to be careful even when I blog. Every Good idea or opinion may not be God's opinion. It took me one hour to write this blog because I have some strong personal convictions about Facebook but those opinions are rubbish.
What is important? What are you using your media platform to do? Are you willing to STAND OUT? Are your words (pictures) Healing people? Are your words (pictures) bringing peace? Are your words (pictures) setting people free?
The Father is trusting us with influence, let's use it wisely!!!
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