Jon Augusta

#Instatheology: What the Bible REALLY Says About Social Media

Let’s talk about something that consumes a HUGE part of our lives: social media.

I remember 2004 vividly. It was the year Myspace launched, and I was a fourth grader at a brand new school. Fast forward to today, and we’re swimming in a sea of platforms: YouTube, Reddit, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Pinterest, LinkedIn… the list goes on. I’m on most of them, some more than others, and I’m not gonna lie – I love social media.

But here’s the thing: with 7.7 billion people in the world, over 3.5 billion are online, and a staggering two-thirds of internet users are on social media. That’s over 2.3 billion people! Social media has reshaped everything from our interactions to how businesses operate. It’s a force to be reckoned with.

So, what does the Bible have to say about this digital phenomenon? Let’s dive in.

My Personal Wake-Up Call: 10 Hours and 32 Minutes

Before I get into the biblical stuff, I had to face my own reality. I checked my screen time. Last week, I spent an average of 10 hours and 32 minutes a WEEK on social media. That’s almost a whole day! I’m preaching to myself as much as I’m preaching to you.

Tonight, we’re going to look at three key points:

• #Drained
• #Fight
• #Thirsty

#Drained: The Martha Syndrome

Let’s look at Luke 10:38-42. Martha, with Jesus himself in her house, is running around stressed, while Mary sits at His feet, listening. It reminds me of Psalm 27:4, where David longs to dwell in God’s presence.

Martha was distracted. Jesus says Mary chose the “good portion” – not the best steak, but the blessings of God (Psalm 16:5). He values worship and meditation over perfect place settings.

Distraction, as we know, is being pulled in multiple directions. Like the medieval torture where horses pulled someone apart. Are we being pulled away from the one thing that matters?

Why are we here?

Matthew 28 reminds us: to make disciples, glorify God, and point people to Him. We’re here to be lights, to spread the gospel. Yet, we waste time scrolling.

Ephesians 5:15-16 urges us to walk wisely, redeeming the time. Instead of reflecting on Scripture, we’re glued to screens. We’ll have to account for our time.

The Charger: Connecting to the Source

Just like a phone loses battery when unplugged, we get drained when we’re disconnected from God’s word. Satan wants to distract us, to pull us away from our purpose. Plug into the charger: Scripture.

#Fight: Keyboard Warriors and God’s Peace

2020 was a year of blocking, unfriending, and eye-rolling. We live in a world of keyboard warriors, hiding behind screens, slinging insults.

God is a God of peace (1 Corinthians 14:33). Stirring strife goes against His nature. Ephesians 4:29 tells us to avoid corrupt talk and instead build up others.

It’s easy to spout hate online. But we’re called to love our neighbors (Colossians 4:6).

How do we fight this?

• Be in the Word. When you’re saturated in Scripture, it’s harder to attack others.
• Take every thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:5). Ask: Is this honoring? If not, bring it to God in prayer.

#Thirsty: The Search for Satisfaction

Social media is full of pornography and creates a false sense of worth. We seek validation through followers and likes, but it’s never enough.

John 4:1-26 tells the story of the woman at the well. She was searching for satisfaction in men, but Jesus offered her “living water.”

Like her, we search for satisfaction in fleeting things: followers, likes, relationships, substances. But John 4:14 says, “whoever drinks of the water I give them will never be thirsty again.”

Only Jesus can truly satisfy. These “pocket gods” will always leave us wanting more. That’s why anxiety and depression are on the rise.

The Cost of True Satisfaction

To the non-believer: only Jesus can satisfy you.

To the believer: we were made different by Jesus. Eternal life, true love, and true satisfaction cost Jesus His life. Because you are worth it.

Social Media: A Tool, Not a God

I asked on Instagram for pros and cons of social media. Here are some responses:

Pros:

• Keeping up with friends
• Connecting with people far away
• Inspiration
• Sharing experiences

Cons:

• Wasting time
• False portrayals of life
• Politics
• Toxic people
• Addictive

I’m not telling you to delete your accounts. Social media isn’t inherently bad. Using it to #makeHisnamefamous or connect with loved ones is great.

But it becomes an issue when it becomes a god. As John MacArthur says, “If the goal is simply popularity or personal promotion, it’s time to do a heart check.”

God doesn’t love us because of our worth; we are of worth because God loves us. – Martin Luther.

Let’s use social media wisely, remembering that true satisfaction comes only from Christ.