Living Outward: Faithful Social Media Stewardship

 

Summary

In today's world, technology and social media have become integral parts of our lives, shaping how we communicate and express ourselves. Reflecting on the rise of the "selfie," a term that originated in 2002, we see how it symbolizes our culture's focus on self. This self-obsession is not new; it is rooted in our sinful nature, which Martin Luther described as being "curved in on ourselves." While technology, including social media, is a gift from God meant to aid in our dominion over creation and the spread of the Gospel, it can also be misused to foster vanity and self-focus.

As Christians, we are called to live in contrast to this inward focus. Christ calls us to die to self and live for God's glory and the good of our neighbors. This requires a conscious effort to resist the world's call to self-centeredness. Social media, while not inherently evil, can encourage this inward focus if we are not vigilant. Therefore, we must approach it with intentionality and discernment.

To navigate the digital landscape faithfully, I propose three principles: First, seek an outward focus. Before posting, ask whether your content serves God and others or merely yourself. Second, steward your social media presence wisely. Recognize that your online actions contribute to your legacy and can influence future generations. Finally, submit to God's Word in all aspects of life, including online interactions. Avoid the "digital deception" that leads us to act contrary to our faith when behind a screen.

By applying these principles, we can use social media as a tool for God's glory, fostering community and spreading the Gospel. Let us remember that every post, tweet, and image is an opportunity to reflect Christ to the world. Think twice, post once, and let our digital presence be a testament to our faith.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Rise of Self-Obsession: The selfie culture reflects our inherent self-focus, a tendency rooted in sin. While technology like social media can amplify this, it is not the cause. As Christians, we must be vigilant against this inward focus, striving instead to live for God's glory and the good of others. [04:36]

2. Technology as a Gift: Technology is a God-given tool meant to aid in fulfilling our call to dominion and spreading the Gospel. From the printing press to the internet, each advancement has been used by God for His purposes. We should embrace technology with gratitude, using it wisely for His glory. [08:07]

3. Outward Focus in Social Media: Our social media presence should reflect an outward focus, serving God and others rather than ourselves. By questioning the motives behind our posts, we can ensure that our online actions align with our faith and contribute positively to our legacy. [10:42]

4. Stewarding Our Digital Legacy: Every online action contributes to our legacy, impacting future generations. We must steward our social media presence wisely, recognizing its potential to influence others and reflect our commitment to following Christ. [13:23]

5. Submitting to God's Word Online: God's Word should govern our online interactions just as it does our offline lives. We must resist the "digital deception" that leads us to act contrary to our faith when behind a screen, ensuring that our online presence honors God. [15:59]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:20] - The Origin of the Selfie
- [01:42] - Selfies in Culture
- [02:26] - Historical Context of Self-Portraiture
- [03:31] - The Camera Phone Explosion
- [04:05] - The Root of Self-Obsession
- [05:08] - Christianity's Call to Die to Self
- [06:37] - Responding to Social Media
- [07:05] - Technology in the Bible
- [08:07] - Technology as a Gift from God
- [09:19] - Embracing Today's Technology
- [10:09] - Principles for Social Media Use
- [12:02] - Stewarding Social Media
- [14:24] - Submitting to God's Word Online
- [16:29] - Christ's Sovereignty Over All
- [17:03] - Conclusion and Call to Action

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Genesis 1:28 - "God blessed them and said to them, 'Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.'"
2. Matthew 28:19-20 - "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
3. Romans 3:11 - "There is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God."

Observation Questions:
1. How does the sermon describe the cultural significance of the "selfie" and its relation to self-obsession? [04:05]
2. What examples from history and the Bible were given to illustrate the use of technology for God's purposes? [07:05]
3. According to the sermon, what are the three principles proposed for using social media in a way that honors God? [10:09]
4. How does the sermon explain the concept of "digital deception" and its impact on Christian behavior online? [14:52]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of being "curved in on ourselves," as described by Martin Luther, relate to the modern use of social media? [05:41]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that technology can be both a gift and a potential stumbling block for Christians? [09:52]
3. How might the principles of seeking an outward focus and stewarding social media influence a Christian's online interactions? [10:42]
4. What does it mean to submit to God's Word in the context of online behavior, and how can this submission be practically applied? [15:59]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own social media usage. Are there specific instances where you have prioritized self-focus over serving God and others? How can you change this? [10:42]
2. Consider the legacy you are creating with your online presence. What steps can you take to ensure it reflects your commitment to Christ? [13:23]
3. How can you incorporate the principle of "think twice, post once" into your daily social media habits? What practical changes can you make? [12:02]
4. Identify a recent online interaction where you may have fallen into "digital deception." How can you approach similar situations differently in the future? [14:52]
5. How can you use your social media platforms to spread the Gospel and foster community? What specific actions can you take this week? [09:52]
6. Reflect on a time when you felt convicted about your online behavior. What did you learn, and how can you apply that lesson moving forward? [15:59]
7. Choose one aspect of your online presence that you feel needs improvement. What is one concrete step you can take to align it more closely with your faith? [13:54]

Devotional

Day 1: The Selfie Culture and Our Inward Focus
In today's digital age, the rise of the "selfie" culture highlights a deeper issue of self-obsession that is rooted in our sinful nature. This tendency to focus inwardly is not new, but technology and social media have amplified it. As Christians, we are called to resist this self-centeredness and instead live for God's glory and the good of others. This requires vigilance and intentionality in how we engage with social media, ensuring that our actions reflect an outward focus. [04:36]

"For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere." (James 3:16-17, ESV)

Reflection: Consider your recent social media activity. How often do your posts focus on yourself rather than serving or encouraging others? What is one change you can make today to shift your focus outward?


Day 2: Embracing Technology as a Divine Gift
Technology, from the printing press to the internet, is a gift from God intended to aid in our dominion over creation and the spread of the Gospel. While it can be misused, it is not inherently evil. As Christians, we should embrace technological advancements with gratitude, using them wisely for God's purposes. This perspective allows us to see technology as a tool for good, rather than a source of temptation. [08:07]

"See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze." (Exodus 31:2-4, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on how you currently use technology in your daily life. Are there ways you can use it more intentionally to glorify God and serve others?


Day 3: Cultivating an Outward Focus in Social Media
Our social media presence should reflect an outward focus, serving God and others rather than ourselves. By questioning the motives behind our posts, we can ensure that our online actions align with our faith and contribute positively to our legacy. This requires a conscious effort to prioritize God's glory and the well-being of others in our digital interactions. [10:42]

"Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 2:4-5, ESV)

Reflection: Before your next social media post, ask yourself: Does this serve God and others, or is it primarily for my own benefit? How can you adjust your online presence to better reflect an outward focus?


Day 4: Stewarding Our Digital Legacy
Every online action contributes to our legacy, impacting future generations. As Christians, we must steward our social media presence wisely, recognizing its potential to influence others and reflect our commitment to following Christ. This involves being mindful of the content we share and the interactions we engage in, ensuring they align with our values and beliefs. [13:23]

"Do not be deceived: 'Bad company ruins good morals.' Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame." (1 Corinthians 15:33-34, ESV)

Reflection: Think about the legacy you are building through your online presence. What changes can you make to ensure it reflects your commitment to Christ and positively influences others?


Day 5: Submitting to God's Word in the Digital World
God's Word should govern our online interactions just as it does our offline lives. We must resist the "digital deception" that leads us to act contrary to our faith when behind a screen, ensuring that our online presence honors God. This requires a commitment to living out our faith consistently, both in person and online. [15:59]

"Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance." (1 Peter 1:13-14, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on your online interactions. Are there areas where you have acted contrary to your faith? How can you submit more fully to God's Word in your digital life?

Quotes

Reflecting on the rise of the "selfie," a term that originated in 2002, we see how it symbolizes our culture's focus on self. This self-obsession is not new; it is rooted in our sinful nature, which Martin Luther described as being "curved in on ourselves." While technology, including social media, is a gift from God meant to aid in our dominion over creation and the spread of the Gospel, it can also be misused to foster vanity and self-focus. [00:04:05]

Christianity is in complete contrast to this inward focus. It is the world that calls us to focus on self, but Christ calls us to die to self. It is the world that calls us to have this inward focus to live for self, but Christ calls us to live for God and to love our neighbors. [00:15:08]

Technology is a good gift from God, and there is a sense in which as technology has advanced, so has God's Church throughout the world. We don't praise the printing press, but we do thank God for it and how he used it to further the Reformation of the 16th century. [00:08:07]

From the beginning and throughout history, God has given technology for the good of the world and for the building up and edification of his church. This Sovereign God has placed you and I in this day and age with today's technology and with the unique opportunities that they provide, so we should at the outset give thanks. [00:09:19]

First, seek an outward focus. As the Christian life is meant to be one of dying to self, that is, dying to an inward focus and a life of living for God's glory and for the good of our neighbors, both outward focuses seek to foster an outward focus for your social media content. [00:10:42]

Steward your social media. The speed and the ease with which we can post today fools us into thinking lightly of social media. We don't value it; it feels very much like a vapor that it's here today and it's going tomorrow. But it's not reality. The Library of Congress is archiving every tweet that is posted. [00:12:02]

Tweet by tweet, selfie by selfie, you are creating your legacy for God's glory and for the world's good or for ill. So this should really give us pause before we send that next text or tweet. But I want you to recognize the opportunity that you have before you. You can steward your use of social media and create a legacy. [00:13:23]

Submit to God's word. Now, it might seem obvious when I'm addressing an audience of Christians to tell you to submit to God's word, but it needs to be said because looking across the landscape, it seems that when Christians connect to the internet, all their thinking gets distorted. [00:14:24]

Just as the scriptures should govern our life and relationships offline, they ought to govern our actions online. For many today, especially if they've been born in the last couple of decades, even this online-offline distinction is nonexistent, and so their worldliness, their ungodliness online bleeds over into their real-world life and relationships. [00:15:59]

Abraham Kuyper is known for saying that there is not a square inch in the whole domain of human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry, "Mine." Jesus cries "Mine" over your time, over your Facebook posts, and over your internet history. Are you submitting to the word of God, or are you living in the digital deception? [00:16:29]

By God's grace, may we seek to use social media for his glory with an outward focus, stewarding our social media and submitting to God's word. Think twice, post once. [00:17:03]

The rise of the selfie shouldn't surprise us. Ultimately, our love for selfies is rooted in our love for self and not in the technology or the social media. Consider this for a moment: technology has given each one of us the ability to easily capture in the highest quality any image that we like and then easily share that with anyone or everyone in the world. [00:04:36]

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Transcript
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