Can you find Jesus on Social media? Yes, Yes you can - in case you were wondering.

Can you find Jesus on Social media? Yes, Yes you can - in case you were wondering.

I recently preached a sermon on the concept of how we are more connected than ever but also more isolated than ever. Over the past 30 years- so much about our lives have changed- the way we spend our free time and our money, how we interact with people, values have changed. Much of this is related to the digital age that we find ourselves in. I want to make it clear that I think some of these advances are wonderful and will give this world some much needed help. I also realize though that with most things, we have the tendency to take things too far if we are not careful. As humans we have this need to find shortcuts to happiness- you know the work smarter not harder notion. We also are obsessed with feeling good and we feel that consumption or over consumption will help us obtain those feelings.

We see this in all of our options for each type of food when you go the grocery store or if you have been a part of the wedding industry or the baby industry- more is better, things will make you happy. And now with social media- more information and entertainment can also give you the fulfillment you crave. And to a certain extent it makes sense right? Mindlessly scrolling on social media after a busy day can be relaxing and enjoying your favorite flavor of chips tastes good and maybe hits the spot. Those things can be true. But is it the whole truth?

In 2nd Corinthians, there is a verse about how the devil disguises himself as an angel. It’s this idea that something can look very much like the real thing but it’s actually the opposite- is actually dangerous and misleading. I think the trick with social media and the digital age is that we are conditioned to think that these things will give you the fulfillment you desire. That more time on the internet or engaging in online discourse is time well spent.

The thing is the bible tells us that true fulfillment comes from relationships and being relational. Most of the stories in the Bible where Jesus is Present are about how Jesus relates to a person or to people. There are countless scriptures on the power of extending grace and forgiveness and loving other people.

So the question we have to ask ourselves is: Does social media positively impact our relationships and to what extent?

This is why I think you can find Jesus on social media. I think if we are intentional, disciplined and goal-oriented that we can use social media as a tool to connect us to one another and build relationships that otherwise we could not. I think we can choose to use the tools our society has developed using the brains God gave us to further God’s will, or we can use it to our own advantage.

Social media can be used to bring awareness to those that are hurting and need a platform where their voice can be heard. We’ve seen this when it comes to women’s rights and LGBTQ rights, racism and violence. Social media can bring people together over shared interests and values. Social media can raise money for those in need and band people together. I see Jesus in these things.

Are we willing to use these tools for the good they have offer and fight against the temptation to use them in a way that could cause harm to ourselves and others?