What would it look like for Christians to represent Jesus online?
Social media is immersive. And most of us think it is harmful.
For instance, according to a research report by Pew, "64% of Americans say social media have a mostly negative effect on the way things are going in the U.S. today." Springtide Research finds that, among GenZ, "four in ten (38%) say they use social media for 5-6 hours a day or more."
I want you to imagine that Christians represented Jesus online. What would that look like?
As C.S. Lewis said, "We all want progress, but if you're on the wrong road, progress means doing an about-turn and walking back to the right road; in that case, the man who turns back soonest is the most progressive."
Everyone loves to hate on social media. But then, we're also spending dozens of hours a week online.
So to start our course on the Fruit of the Spirit Online, we're going to start by giving you a space to share what you don't like about how Christians conduct themselves online.
Why? Well, by taking an honest look at the problems we see online, and the hurt they cause, we will gain an immediate benefit: a stronger distaste for that way of life. This can prompt us to be all the more eager to be empowered by God's Spirit as we interact with other image bearers on the internet.
Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
There are fifteen 'works of the flesh.' Which of these have you seen online?
Over half of the list represents a wrong approach to conflict. What tempts you to react to others in an angry or divisive way?
Paul provides a very stern warning for this way of life. Does it seem like an over-reaction to you?
Before we prepare ourselves to demonstrate the fruits of the Spirit online, let's be refreshingly honest with each other. What do you see as the problems with social media?
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