Counsel #18 — Discerning Digital Decisions

Picture: Counsel #18 — Discerning Digital DecisionsCLi 28.1

As Christians, it's essential to exercise discernment before hitting the “share” or “post” button on social media. From an onlooker's perspective, the endless amount of content online makes it hard to separate truth from fairytale. As social media users, we should resist the culture’s urge to post endlessly for likes or instant gratification.CLi 28.2

Remember, everything we post online is public and often permanent. Even if deleted from a profile, data may still remain on a computer’s hard drive, potentially resurfacing in unexpected ways. As followers of Christ, we need to examine our intentions behind every post or comment. Before sharing a story about our whereabouts or venting about personal issues, let’s consider whether this is something better shared with God in prayer than with the world. Let our online presence reflect wisdom, humility, and a desire to honor God, rather than seeking worldly approval.^{[25]https://www.faithfulmedia.org/social-media-for-christians?gad_source=1}CLi 28.3

“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1 NIVCLi 28.4

“The diligent Bible student will constantly increase in knowledge and discernment. His intellect will grasp elevated subjects and lay hold of the truth of eternal realities. His motives of action will be right…” Ellen White in Lift Him Up, p. 121CLi 28.5

Reflect: Before you post or share something on social media, do you talk with God or consider your intentions first?CLi 28.6