“To be or not to be, that is the question.” Those words, uttered by Prince Hamlet in Shakespeare’s famous play, have become one of the most often quoted phrases in the English language. In the age of pandemic, however, an even more important question has now emerged: “To post or not to post.” This question becomes even more crucial for Christians who rush to social media platforms to participate in what is perhaps the most consequential debate of our generation, namely, who is responsible for the colossal failures in responding to the challenges related to COVID-19 and what can still be done to defeat this lethal virus?

While the world watches, many Christians are fumbling terribly, sometimes consciously spreading falsehoods, at other times robotically repeating half-truths that serve no purpose, or simply attacking the messengers while surreptitiously skirting around the issues.

To help us know when to post or not to post on social media, I came up with a simple acronym. Before deciding to post, submit your text/shareable link to the following test:

1. Is it P-roper?

2. Is it O-pen to verification?

3. Is it S-cripturally sound?

4. Is it T-rue?

Let’s now look at them one by one:

1. Is it P-roper?

In religious terms, “proper” refers to a certain liturgy that is appropriate to a specific holiday. In other words, something that is fitting for the occasion, not foreign to it, not sticking up, not out of place. Social media platforms are spaces, communities with their own set of rules. In that context, “proper” assumes one knows the rules of engagement and is willing to abide by them for the good of the whole. “Proper,” by its very definition, eliminates rogue-ism.

In archaic English, “proper” was used for something that was virtuous or respectable. That comes close to the meaning of Paul’s admonition for us to think of things that are “noble” and “praiseworthy.” (Philippians 4.8).

“Proper” would also encompass anything that is not crass or caustic. In the words of Paul, again, our verbal engagements must be similar to a dish whose seasonings, especially salt, are carefully balanced so as to not cause damage or displeasure to anyone tasting it (Colossians 4.6).

So, how do you know if something is “proper” or not? Well, if you would, for example, be embarrassed in case your kids read it, it is not proper. If it’s something that would be more fitting to say in a face-to-face conversation, do not post it. Do not use social media to engage in something akin to a vendetta, or to vent about a subject you would never have the courage to say in someone’s face. Facebook should not be a place for faceless insults nor should Twitter be a platform for threats. Social media is not a social experiment for cowards.

2. Is it O-pen to verification?

In a nut shell, open to verification means “know your sources.” Test before you say it is the best, and before you share, beware. You are an influencer, whether you have one or thousands of followers on social media. Make sure you give them the opportunity to check the reliability of the sources you are using or sharing.

For example, recently a friend posted the following on Facebook: “If you have had the flu shot in the last 10 years you will test positive for COVID-19.” I absolutely knew that not to be the case with me. Since there was the name of a “doctor” associated with the quote, I tried to find who that was but was unsuccessful. Further research revealed that the individual was a prominent figure in the anti-vaccine movement.

It is amazing to me that the same people who would never tell you a lie in person are not as careful when it comes to spreading unsubstantiated ideas on social media. I call that phenomenon “second hand lying” and we must avoid it at all cost.

3. Is it S-cripturally sound?

The Word of God admonishes us to use our tongues in a controlled way. James even refers to the necessity to “tame the tongue.” (James 3.1-12). Tongue-lashing, therefore, should not be part of our lives, whether virtually or in person. Out of control talk whose principal aim is to denigrate another individual, “got you” types of rhetoric that simply seeks to lay traps, ungracious words whose effect is to make others feel inferior—none of this stuff should inhabit our social media networks or even make an occasional appearance there. Speaking of the possibility of the same mouth pronouncing blessings and curses, James goes directly to the point: “My brothers and sisters, this should not be!” (James 4.10).

4. Is it T-rue?

Ascertaining truth about a statement is also related to it being open to verification and being scripturally sound. If you are not sure whether what you are posting is true or not, don’t post it. Period.

Jesus said, “I am the Truth.” The immediate implication of that statement when it comes to the use of social media by Christians is that every activity they engage in there, not only every post, should leave footprints leading back directly to Christ! If you post something or share something that does not in some way leads to Christ, you have essentially failed in the most fundamental of all reasons to be on social media. You have neglected Paul’s instruction to “make the most of every opportunity.” (Colossians 4.6).

In fact, I will go one step further: If your friends and/or followers don’t have a clue that you are all about Jesus, then you have squandered what is potentially the most impactful tool to make His name famous. Get out or bring Jesus into your social media presence. Make Him front and center of everything you do there.

I recently had to confront a dear friend regarding this very thing. This friend’s posts had become fixated with political comments about a particular person. I asked him: “When people go into your Facebook page, do they get the impression you are more passionate about Christ or about individual “X.”? The very fact he couldn’t give me a clear answer right away said everything.

My conviction is that if Christians used only half the passion, creativity, and energy they use to engage in cultural wars to point people to the Person of Jesus Christ, the battle to rescue people from the evil claws of the enemy would have been won already. But instead, what we have is a bunch of Christians confirming before thousands, maybe even millions that they are the same, if not worse, than everybody else out there. It is time to change that narrative, beginning with your next post.

Pastor Ivanildo C. Trindade