Lesson 12

SOCIAL MEDIA CAN DEPRIVE BELIEVERS OF DEPENDING ON GOD

Devotional Reading: Ps. 121:1-6
Topic For Adults: Set Your Priorities Right
Topic For Youths: Get Your Identity Right
Topic For Intermediates: Don’t Be Negatively Influenced
Lesson Scriptures: Isa. 44:24-25; Ps. 121:1-6, 119:37-38; Prov. 14:17; Jn. 8:31-32; Acts 17:11-12; Heb. 12:1-2

“I will lift up my eyes to the hills. From whence comes my help? My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2) NKJV.

In the beginning, God created man in His image. By and by, man began to invent things which made life easy to live. One of such is social media which, in no doubt, has made the world a global village. However, if care is not taken, man will depend so much on social media that his need of his Creator will become irrelevant. This is the focus of this week’s lesson.

PART 1: SOCIAL MEDIA IS NOT ABSOLUTELY DEPENDABLE - ISA. 44:24-25; PS. 121:1-6; PROV. 14:17

The goal of social media is to engender social interaction among users which facilitates sharing of ideas and trust. The virtual community so formed through this interaction makes people unconsciously depend on what they can derive and apply in their day-to-day lives. The ideology of many people about, life has been largely influenced by what they read, watched or heard on social media. This, in many ways, has positively contributed to building a global modern society because perceptions and perspectives are shared on social media which most times are spread through their adopters. The implication of this is the dependence of many people on social media for the update of whatever they know in order to stay current and correct.

The flip side is this, everything on social media is not absolutely correct. Everyone shares his/her perspective on issues and sometimes people adopt the perspective they first come across until they find others. You cannot hold people responsible for any negative impact their opinion may have on you since it was not forced on you. Lack of control has been the cause of this chaos of ideas.

When the children of God rely too much on what they read on social media (which may even be later edited) and they prioritise whatever perspective people share over the Scriptures, they are not acting like King David who said in Psalms 121:1-2, (NKJV) “I will lift up my eyes to the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord“. The way of life of believers should be formed by the Scriptures and not social media. They are to search the Scriptures daily for therein are such that testify about Christ our role model (Jn. 5:39).

PART 2: MAKE EFFORTS TO DISCERN THE TRUTH - JN. 8: 31-32; ACTS 17:11-12.

We live in a free world where everyone can speak and their voice can be heard through different means. Citizens of other countries consider few countries where free speech is banned as oppressive. Then, in a world filled with diversity of beliefs of which some are controlled by the powers of darkness (Eph. 2:2), duty calls that the children of God should make efforts to discern the truth from falsehood and lies. Social media is flooded by lots of content, both true and false. It takes the spiritually discerning believer, through the help of the Holy Spirit to the sift between truth and falsehood.

Jesus told His disciples in John 16:13 that “Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will shew you things to come“. By this, believers have a sure means of knowing the truth about every subject concerning life. Some issues are not addressed verbatim in the Scriptures but the Holy Spirit has His way of guiding us to certain portions of the Scriptures that address them.

Trusting the guidance of the Holy Spirit and harnessing it daily then becomes the responsibility of every believer. It begins with listening to Him for guidance in our daily reading of the Scriptures. With time, He will keep our thoughts from accepting heresies when they are spread by the spirit of error.

PART 3: MAINTAIN A HEALTHY BALANCE - PS. 119:37-38; HEB. 12:1-2.

Social media cannot be attributed to be the creation of Satan because he does not possess creative ability. Only God has (Exo. 9:29). Therefore, believers need to identify the merits of positive use of social media. This, however, should not take the place of God in their lives. Setting a balance between the use of social media and dependence on the Word of God is key.

To set a healthy balance between the use of social media and reliance on God’s Word, certain deliberate consistent actions must be taken:

a. Set boundaries and prioritise time with God (Luke 12:34) – What you treasure will easily receive your time and attention. Turn off your internet connection, read your Bible and pray before any other activity of the day. As much as it is tempting to first pick-up your phone and spend hours on it, pick up your Bible and pray first, start your Bible app instead of WhatsApp or Facebook.

b. Use social media intentionally and mindfully (Dan. 1:8) – Man is capable of having his mind fixed on what he intends to do. If there is a thirst and panting in your heart to receive from God in His Word and prayer, your mind will inadvertently focus on them.

c. Seek accountability and community (Rom. 14:12) – Most times, it is easier for us to diligently do what we know we will account for. Laxity and laziness easily set in when we are not pushed or pulled to do something. Having someone or a community you have to give account of your devotion to will make you take it seriously.

d. Focus on Scripture and sound doctrine (2 Tim 4:1-3) – Distraction from the doctrines of the Scripture is highly probable for believers, hence, the need to focus on the Scriptures and doctrine even before visiting social media sites, apps and dapps. If Satan deceived Eve with a truth, believers need to be well rooted in the word to remain steadfast.

e. Practice digital detox and rest (Jer. 17:24-25) – Taking a break from what we do often has benefits. Sometimes, you can stay away from some social media apps (except they are tools for your business or work) and focus on some beneficial activities that require quality amount of your time. Just like the Jews that observe Sabbath, taking rest from routine rejuvenates and sharpens our mind and strength.

CONCLUSION

It is no exaggeration that social media is indispensable in our day-to-day engagements. However, believers need to be intentional about its use so that it does not rob them of their dependability on God in whom, according to Paul the apostle, we live and move and have our being. (Acts 17:28)

SENTENCE SERMON

Dependence on God cannot be replaced with social media. Only God is omniscient.

MORAL LESSON

FOR ADULTS: No truth is greater than the one received from God.

FOR YOUTHS: Social media is not and cannot be truer than the Truth Himself.

FOR INTERMEDIATES: God’s Word is more dependable than any other thing made by man.

QUESTIONS

Why do many people depend on social media?
Why can’t you hold people responsible for any negative impact their opinion on social media may have on you?
Why should the children of God make effort to discern the truth?
Mention some deliberate consistent actions that must be taken so as to set a healthy balance between the use of social media and reliance on God’s word.