“…I don’t want anyone to give me credit beyond what they can see in my life or hear in my message…” – 2 Corinthians 12:6
We live in a visual culture. We’re inundated with images of everyone’s lives at a pace faster than we’re able to process. Social media has been a significant driver. Thankfully, we’ve made a shift recently from polished, “Instagram-worthy” images to a more authentic view of life (TikTok videos, Instagram reels, and BeReal snapshots). Even then, we should consider…
What image of ourselves are we portraying to others?
It’s difficult, in this visual culture, to show one’s true identity without ridicule. When the picture is too good, you’re boastful. When you’re vulnerable and share a challenging situation, people think you’re seeking pity.
Yet we shouldn’t be censored or afraid to share.
As Christians, we’re called to tell others about Jesus (Matthew 16:15) and social media certainly is an outlet in which to do that. In the midst of deconstruction and in-person attendance declines, we still have an opportunity to share His truth and realness with others wherever they are! A recent Barna study found that three in four adults (74%) say they want to grow spiritually and 44% say they are more open to God today than before the pandemic.
So, here are some Bible-based tips for sharing your faith online in today’s culture.
1. Pray and T.H.I.N.K.
We should always seek the intervention of the Holy Spirit before we share anything. Then, practice the old adage of T.H.I.N.K. Is the content you want to share True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary, or Kind? Or ask yourself this: Would Jesus approve of this post? Afterall, He knows our thoughts and sees everything (Psalm 15:3).
2. Show It, Don’t Say It
As we’ve learned, jamming Jesus down people’s throats isn’t going to get us anywhere. Here’s another old adage for you: “Do what I say, not what I do.” That’s a quick recipe for hypocrisy among the unchurched. In fact, I think we need to do the opposite. Living a life of contentment, giving Him glory in the hard times, humbly (and perhaps humorously) failing – highlighting these parts of our lives will go further with the unchurched.
3. Be Relevant
You may simply use social media… socially. But if you’re wanting to be more fruitful in sharing your faith online, try to post content people want to see. Video is the top choice, so telling a story on camera or showing photos with music may stop someone’s scroll. If word pictures are more your thing, consider an image with 2-3 compelling keywords versus sharing the full Scripture reference (e.g., instead of writing out all of Ephesians 3:20-21, put the words “Immeasurably More” on your image and describe the image in your post copy). Good photography will also get attention, but it doesn’t have to be direct and can be an interpretation of the feeling that catches unbelievers’ interest (e.g. not a picture of your Bible, a cross, or praying hands, but rather spilled coffee, a flat tire, or nature).
4. Don’t Take Credit
As we’re reading in 2 Corinthians, we can’t take credit for anything in our lives. Our gifts, blessings, and joys during trials are all thanks to our merciful and gracious Jesus. When invited, give Him the glory!
“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
While these tips are directed at social media, share your heart for Jesus whatever way you can! And social media changes so quickly that these tips will probably look different in 6-12 months, but thankfully Jesus never changes!
