Social media, SM, has become part of our day-to-day activities. According to recent research, in March 2023, about 4.48 billion people used SM, which is more than half of the world’s population in total.SM has become so important that various research has been conducted on its power as an influence that is not limited by religion or faith but can be controlled by believers.
In a minute over 46,740 photos are shared on Instagram only, a thousand other shares going on other SM platforms every minute. These are contents that can influence thinking, catch attention and subconsciously affect decision-making. It is therefore important to pay attention to the type of content believers consume on social media, it is more important for new believers to optimize their social media content for a healthy spiritual life.
Realities of Social Media to New Believers.
Believers are humans too what makes us special is our spirituality and faith in Christ Jesus. Unlike mature believers, new believers are still trying to let go of some worldly thoughts, desires and lifestyles that SM is known to promote. Yet, SM still has a lot of benefits, especially for those who are entrepreneurs or whose job resonates around it. So how can they navigate between faith and SM?
Before dishing out the methods, it should be noted that humans have the power to control and manage SM, and it should not be the other way around. We have been embedded with a willful spirit that lets us make decisions on our own hence when we make decisions about strictly managing SM we can strictly stand by them too.
Double-check those you follow:
Once you become a new believer, you become a new creature, you are now a follower of Christ. This new change is not only by proclamation but also by action. This means the content you follow should be Christ-like. Most SM platforms allow users to follow other users especially people they look up to or they adore. Who then should a Christion look up to? Well, the Bible says we should be Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).
The application of the scripture to one's daily life produces a Christian on the path of a shining light (Proverbs 4:18). While Jesus might not have an Instagram or Facebook account, he does have his friends online, people who propagate his gospel. As a new believer, you should double-check your following on all social media platforms. “Do these people believe in my newfound faith? do they portray the kind of life I want to live in Christ? Will their content help me build a better relationship with Jesus?” These are the questions that should be answered when you go through your following list online. Once you can answer them, then make a good decision with your list.
Optimize Your SM Content
Optimizing social media content is one of the best ways to use social media as a new believer and there are various ways to optimize social media content and accounts.
Updating your own profile picture is important to show you have found a new Faith. This doesn't mean you have to take pictures hugging the cross (you could do that if you feel comfortable with it though). It is best you use pictures that depict your faith, a calm smile at the camera (selfie) would do fine.
Blocking trigger words should also be considered. Words that can ignite temptations, or drag tempting visual content to your timeline should be blocked. This will help you stay focused as you grow till even the Bible advises that believers should flee from temptations. It is best to keep away from curse words, tempting words that do not help your new life.
You can also go on further to follow the right people. This would mean following those who preach the gospel, Content creators whose content resonates around the gospel, blogs and movies that a gospel-centric and personalities who are followers of Christ and are proud of their followership. Technically following these people will encourage the development of your own faith, motivating you to become more like Christ himself.
When you put all these optimizations in use on your social media accounts there will be a significant and positive turnaround in the content you receive on your social media platforms. You will notice that it is more fun, impactful and motivating to use social media, unlike the previous optimization.
Stick With your optimization
Sticking to your optimization is just as important as optimizing your social media in the first place. To have the best of both worlds (being a Christian and using social media) you need to keep your settings in place. Do not try to sneak a peak on other content that will trigger a past life for you. Do not unblock words even if you believe your faith is stronger already. Try as much to keep following those you choose but do not expect too much from them because they are humans too.
Being a new believer takes hard work but Jesus has already given us the wisdom to grow in him.
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