Without realizing it, certain areas of our lives can get disconnected from Christ’s lordship. We don’t consciously rebel, but we fail to consider our actions and habits in the light of God’s Word. Social media and entertainment often fall into this category. We don’t mean to look like the world in the things we post on Facebook, nor do we intentionally choose to celebrate sin as we enjoy a movie, but it happens.
Ten Commandments for Social Media and Entertainment
One of the ways to address these blind spots, as we might call them, is to bring them out into the light. This involves applying Scripture to our use of social media and our entertainment choices–along with everything else in our lives. The following list of ten commandments for social media and entertainment is one way to do this. These commandments and the accompanying verses are taken from Secret Church 14, “The Cross and Everyday Life”:
1. Fear God
The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good. (Proverbs 15:3)
2. Flee sexual immorality on social media
But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. (Matthew 5:28)
3. Speak wisely
For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. (Matthew 12:34)
4. Communicate honestly
A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will perish. (Proverbs 19:9)
5. Cultivate humility on social media
Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips. (Proverbs 27:2)
6. Have accountability
Cease to hear instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge. (Proverbs 19:27)
7. Maintain mastery
“All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything. (1 Corinthians 6:12)
8. Guard your heart from social media
Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. (Proverbs 4:23)
9. Renew your mind
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2)
10. Redeem your time
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time because the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:15-16)
— To access Secret Church 14, “The Cross and Everyday Life,” in its entirety (for free), go here.
