Let's be honest: Most of us tend to put our best foot forward on social media. Including me.
Does that make us hypocrites?
Maybe. Maybe not. It depends on our motives. If we're presenting ourselves as something different than we really are, then that's hypocrisy. If we're simply wanting the approval and affirmation of others, then that's vanity.
But if we're trying to encourage others and point them to Jesus -- despite our own imperfections -- then that's commendable.
The problem is that "the human heart [the seat of our thoughts, desires, and motives] is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?" (Jer. 17:9 NLT). The answer is: Nobody except the Lord. Even someone as godly as the apostle Paul confessed, "My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me" (1 Cor. 4:4 NIV).
So we, like Paul, should do our best to examine ourselves and maintain a clear conscience before God and all people (Acts 24:16). At the same time, we must also be careful not to let critics keep us from using social media as a platform for doing a lot of people a lot of good.
Some professing Christians never post any Scripture or anything pertaining to the Lord online. They also never "like" such posts by other people. Instead, they criticize and accuse them of trying to appear "spiritual" so that others will admire them. The same people that hurl such accusations take pride in the fact that they never post such things because they're not hypocrites.
If that's you, well then, congratulations. That makes you guilty of one less sin. You can even thank God for that. May I suggest beginning your prayer this way: "God, I thank you that I am not like other men..." -- just like the Pharisee did (Luke 18:11).
What do you expect people to do -- hang out all their dirty laundry so that everyone can see how "real" they are? Going back to Paul, I don't see him doing that in Scripture. Although he was quick to acknowledge that he was the foremost sinner (1 Tim. 1:15) and that he struggled greatly with sin (Rom. 7:14-25), Paul spent most of his time instructing people in the way of the Lord. If Paul were alive and on social media today, I don't think he would post things like:
- I just lusted after a gorgeous babe who walked by.
- You wouldn't believe the cuss word I just uttered under my breath!
- I couldn't help but laugh at this dirty joke I heard.....
No, Paul was honest about his sin but spent the bulk of his time building people up in the Lord. He chose to focus on God's greatness rather than his own sinfulness.
Furthermore, there's a difference between posting, "During my hour-long devotions this morning at 5:00 a.m., here's a verse the Lord gave me..." versus posting a Scripture verse with a few thought-provoking comments that the Lord genuinely impressed on your heart and that you believe will also encourage others. There's a difference between constantly posting selfies to draw people's attention to yourself versus posting Scripture to draw people's attention to the Lord.
Again, I realize that the latter action can still be fueled by the same sinful motives as the former. But doesn't love believe the best about others and give them the benefit of the doubt (1 Cor. 13:7)? And aren't we as Christians to avoid speaking evil against one another and judging one another (James 4:11-12)?
Oops, there I go again, quoting Scripture. I must be a hypocrite!
Perhaps it would be better to post only silly, trivial stuff -- or better yet -- incendiary comments and articles that get people all fired up and throwing stones at one another. Why build people up when you can tear them down or get them to tear each other apart? Why direct their thoughts toward God when I can fill their minds with frivolous, superficial things?
Sorry, but that makes no sense to me. There are already countless people providing that sort of substance (or lack thereof) on social media.
I don't want to be hypocritical or come across as "hyper-spiritual." I'm also acutely aware of my desire for other people's affirmation and approval. But I'd rather examine my conscience and run the risk of being judged by others, than to let my sinful inclinations or theirs prevent me from pointing people to Jesus.