While common day tools such as Facebook and YouTube are a great blessing, they should be used with caution as they are also often modes of sin (1 John 2:16). Any good thing can become an agent for sin (2 Timothy 3:1-5; Isaiah 5:20; 2 Timothy 4:3-4). So, we need to be careful how we use these avenues. The Bible teaches, “Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22). Not everyone on the Internet has pure motives, therefore, Christians should use safety precautions and be selective in what they view.
The ultimate test for what we view or think of should be: “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things” (Philippians 4:8).
Facebook and YouTube have been to the Christian standpoint mediums to sharing the Gospel to virtually every nation on earth (Matthew 28:19). Yet, evil people use it also for corrupting the masses. The Apostle Paul exhorts the believers to resist evil and not be controlled by it. “Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature” (Romans 13:13-14).
Also, Christians should be aware of the danger of the narcissism (excessive self-love and preoccupation with self) inherent in self-oriented channals. Instead of seeking self glorification, social media sites can be an enormously productive mission field for the Christian. Therefore, “let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25).
So, in regard to watching Facebook or YouTube, Christians should heed Paul’s advice: “Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). If we are willing to let God use our participation for His glory, we have freedom to use Facebook and YouTube.
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
