With the recent spotlight on Mark Zuckerberg and Facebook, many users are now wondering how to respond to the revelation that the social media giant not only mishandled access to user data but also actively suppresses the expression of Christian and conservative values, playing political “favorites” throughout the world. Given that Facebook, which also owns Instagram and WhatsApp, has almost no social media competitors, it’s easy to understand why most people feel upset.
Facebook is the largest country in the world with over 2 billion active monthly users. WhatsApp boasts over 1.5 billion monthly users, and Instagram has over 600 million monthly active users. That is an impressive share of the digital market, and a misuse of the data and power wielded by these platforms constitutes a formidable threat to a free society.
However, this reach is the very reason why Christians who are serious about fulfilling their role in the Great Commission — telling the Good News of Jesus to other people — should not hesitate to stay on these platforms.
The Next Great Spiritual Awakening
Social media has become part of the very fabric of our society. We can connect instantly with friends and family from around the world, share our ideas, and embrace what it means to be human. Humans, by nature, tell stories, desire connection, and share experiences and ideas. Social media platforms have saturated our lives because it speaks to these basic human needs.
That need is never going away this side of heaven.
Advancements in technology are often continually driven by this need to communicate better and connect.
Think about the history of communication technology: cave drawings, smoke signals, boats, domestication of horses, letters, the printing press, the railroad system, telegraphs, phones, cars, radio, planes, TV, internet, social media, and whatever comes next. With each of these advancements in technology has also come the advancement of the gospel. For example, the Gutenberg printing press brought about mass production of the Bible and religious literature, allowing the gospel message and reformation ideas to spread throughout Europe.
I believe that the next Great Spiritual Awakening will be a digital one. If we unite in purpose to spread the Gospel online, we can proclaim Revelation’s three angels’ messages with a loud voice throughout the world (see Rev. 14).
What Do You Have in Your Hand?
During the apostolic period, the gospel was spread by dedicated teachers and evangelists who often faced ridicule, persecution, and sometimes death. They took the gospel where the people were, regardless of the personal cost. Today we are often hindered by fears of what people might think of us, or who might be offended if we share our beliefs online for all to see.
In the Western world, we do not face persecution for our religious beliefs in the same way other Christians do around the world. In the case of social media, our posts may be removed or reach restricted, and, in some cases, expressing our religious convictions could threaten our employment. These are some less severe consequences we face as members of Western society, but it is enough to stop many of us from engaging at all.
We may not be spiritually ready to stand in the fires or be persecuted like the young men in Daniel 2, but at the moment, God isn’t asking us to. He has, however, asked us to use what is in our hands (Exod. 4:2) to connect with the children of God and share the gospel. With 20 million members worldwide, we as a church body could work together as content creators, engagers, and distributors to generate a mighty voice for sharing the gospel message.
Brand evangelist Dee Casper has noted that social media is the modern School of Tyrannus, a place where the ancient Ephesians gathered to engage with new ideas, pass the time, share thoughts, and participate in discussions. Paul spoke at the School of Tyrannus in Greece for two years after being kicked out of the synagogue (Acts 19:8-9), essentially getting the gospel to go viral in his day.
Young people spend up to nine hours a day engaging with social media; they go there to fill time, share with friends, and see new things. Like Paul, we must take the gospel where they are and engage them in a discussion where they spend their time. We must make use of this technology before it’s too late.
Censorship and the Time of Trouble
We don’t know for certain what the “Time of Trouble” will bring upon us, but I’m sure censorship will be a dominating factor that will lead to persecution.
I have dealt with censorship issues repeatedly while working for the North American Division. It has often shocked me and frustrated my efforts to promote life-changing medical services, healthy living principles, spiritual messages, and services for those struggling with addiction. But it has only made me more committed than ever before to utilize these technologies to accomplish our mission.
I’m hopeful that these recent events will ultimately result in making Facebook, as well as other giants like YouTube and Twitter, a safe place for free speech, religious expression, and the exchange of all ideas. Religious organizations will stand to benefit from the removal of discriminatory biases that limit the reach and access to the advertisement of our ideas and resources.
As Christians, we must continue to advocate for free speech. Our ability to spread the gospel in the public forum relies upon it.
Regardless of what ultimately comes out of these recent events, we must press forward and speak Bible truths with this powerful technology. Stay, but stay with purpose. Share your faith online. We cannot wait any longer.
It is our generation’s Great Commission.
