A Social Media Code of Conduct

How we conduct ourselves on social media as followers of Jesus and church leaders matters.

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 10:31

According to Paul, we must conduct ourselves in a way that glorifies God in all areas of our lives, including social media.

John Wesley had three general rules for Christian living: Do No Harm, Do Good, and Stay in Love with God.

These three rules are an excellent basis for a Social Media Code of Conduct.

Rule #1: Do No Harm.

When engaging in social media, we must take the time to consider the potential consequences.

We must remember that real, living people with thoughts and feelings are on the other end of our digital devices. We must be careful what we like, post, and re-post. So, before posting, learn to ask: Is what I’m about to post going to harm God’s kingdom?

We must not be like those Paul mentioned in Titus 1:16 “They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him...” We must not allow our actions online to deny Jesus of His glory.

Our lives are like a boat wake; they always leave a mark behind us. Sometimes, that wake is destructive, and sometimes, it is productive. What kind of wake are you leaving online?

Rule #2: Do Good.

I like what Martin Luther said about Titus 1:16, “It is not our job to forbid them to despise us; It is our job not to give others an opportunity to despise us.”

Many despise the Christian faith today because of how Christians live out their faith on social media. How we behave online has a big impact on people. We must use social media to extend God’s goodness and Good News.

Here are two questions to ask before posting: Is this good? Will this bring glory to God? Every status update, comment, or photo we post is an opportunity to glorify God and spread the Good News.

Rule #3: Stay in Love with God.

Social media can be a powerful tool for representing Jesus to the world outside the church building. It provides a way to share God’s story and love. I try to post a word of wisdom or encouragement daily to glorify God. But we must be careful not to allow social media addiction to weaken our love for God. So, watch the clock, make sure not to spend more time posting than praying, and take a social media sabbath from time to time.

There, you have three rules to follow on social media: Do No Harm. Do Good. Stay in Love with God. Influence Magazine took a deeper dive into this topic in their article, Practicing Integrity Online. I encourage you to read it.

Leadership Truth: Great leaders understand that their actions give credibility to their words, and their words give clarity to their actions.