“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead…” (1 Peter 1:3; ESV)
Easter is a time where many look to the resurrection of Christ as a reminder of their hope in God. Easter, for some, is more than a bunny, eggs, and candy along with the official ushering in of the spring season. For religious people, it is a reminder.
While Easter may be a reminder of the resurrection of Jesus, let us be mindful that our hope does not occur once a year, but our hope is an everyday hope. The tomb of Jesus is empty today, will be empty next Sunday and it was empty last week.
Our hope for salvation is in the promise Jesus made and He kept (Matthew 16.21; Luke 9.22). Jesus promised a resurrection and He fulfilled that promise (Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20)
It is because of the resurrection of Jesus salvation is found in Him. He has brought us victory as we obey His word. We, too, can arise from the death of sin in the water of baptism,
“We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.” (Romans 6:4-5)
I baptism we are united with the resurrection of Christ. Are you united with Him?
Someone is struggling who needs you. They are struggling with problems that no one knows about, and they need you. You might be the one person to brighten their day, and you might not even know it.
There is someone who is lonely, and they need you. They need to hear your voice, shake your hand or get a hug. Maybe they lost a spouse, a child, or they believe that no one cares; they need you. You might be the person to lift their spirits, and you might not even know it.
You are needed, and you may not ever realize how much.
You are needed because you are their family.
You are needed because we are to encourage one another (Hebrews 3.13). You are needed because you are to help bear the burdens of others (Romans 15.1; Galatians 6.1). You are needed because you are needed to laugh and cry together (1 Corinthians 12.26).
You are needed to stir up one another to “love and good works.” (Hebrews 10.24)
You are needed on Sunday mornings, Sunday evenings and Wednesdays evenings to encourage one another and to good works, you need to be with your spiritual family (Hebrews 10.25). It makes a difference.
You must admit, social media has taken the world by storm. Its presence in the lives of people across the globe is growing every day and businesses have grown and shrunk due to social media engagements. Considering the growth of social media and its future, what does the Bible say about social media?
Today, you can have a conversation with someone across the globe in a matter of moments. A few months ago, I had conversations with people in at least 12 different states, China, Japan, Sweden, England and a few other countries in just one day. We do live in an amazing world. It was not too long ago communication for many was a phone call or a letter. Today, communication occurs through our mobile phones, desktop computers, laptops, tablets and even the watch you may wear. Our availability of communication has increased, but has our communication?
So, what does the Bible say about social media?
First, the Bible does not specifically discuss social media, but its words were written long before the age of the internet. However, people were social and interacted with each other. They interacted in the marketplace, the synagogue, the temple and in their homes. Their relationships were personal and tangible.
Second, consider a few verses from the Bible when you post:
“Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” (Proverbs 16.24)
“Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.” (Proverbs 13.3.)
“A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.” (Proverbs 15.4)
“Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent.” (Proverbs 11.12)
“Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him.” (Proverbs 26.4)
Other Considerations:
Remember who and whose you are
Remind yourself that you are a light that shines
Write the post then reflect on it before posting it
Remember, social media is not the greatest thing ever. Jesus is.
