Social Media by James, the brother of Jesus

            This post is a slightly adapted version of a series of forum posts I submitted as an assignment for a Regent University online course. All work is my own (with exception to the prompt at the beginning for context, which was provided by the school as part of course material.) All of the original core material remains in the following text--the modifications were minimal to aid clarity in this platform. I thank Regent University for inspiring me to this work.  

            Forum prompt: How would the author of James recommend Christians present themselves on social media when posting and responding to others?

            James was the younger brother of Jesus, and grew up under His authority. I'm sure they argued, but even as a boy, Christ was the Prince of Peace. Thus, James grew up being responded to with grace and kindness. As a man, He challenged Jesus and doubted Him (John 7:5). After James believed in Jesus (post-resurrection), he could have looked back on their formative years, and seen the value of affirmation. Therefore, James was well equipped to write an article on social (media) communications, and he essentially did so in James chapter three.

            We know firsthand how quickly things spread on the internet and can get out of hand--especially scandals, insults, and  arguments. James knew this about words and warns us about the tongue, relating it to a wild fire which spreads death and destruction (James 3:5-6). James also saw Jesus crucified after being accused of blasphemy. It was the pressure of a crowd that pushed leaders to this decision, just like people allow a certain number of likes, comments, tags, etc., to determine their decisions.

            It is widely acknowledged that an increased use of social media can lead to discontentment, poor self-image, and envy because others show a filtered version of reality, attempting to masquerade as perfection to elevate status. James cautions his readers about this saying, "For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice." (James 3:16).

            Not all of James' advice is in warning though, he finishes out the chapter by giving truths about wisdom, describing it as, "...pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere." (James 3:17). These virtues are what we need to take forth in all forms of communication, for in this way, we walk in peace and love.

            I believe that James would say anything less than kindness and absolute truth is a poor use of words. He  would encourage us to be more humble, not to dramatize the events of life so much, and to know that the words we form become the life we live. If someone constantly takes to complaining, even in the midst of blessings, then they will form a life of drudging circumstances. Likewise, those who rejoice in all times as, Paul says in Philippians, will reap blessings (Phil. 4:12). 

            There are many other applications of James 3 to social media. One is understanding that it is the "world wide web", and as such, all of the world is represented. We see the both the justice and the sins of the nations and our neighbors--all at a glance. We are called to be a voice and light among the nations, and while the internet gives us wonderful platforms to reach farther than we could before, it also allows our witness to be clouded sometimes. We tend to get caught up in the moment and can forget that we are representatives of Heaven. James would say to guard our tongues, to speak life into others, and to lead by the example of love and boldness of spirit in a world of followers. He would remind us that iron sharpens iron and whoever you associate with has the power to make you more like them--for better or worse (Prov. 27:17).                                                                                 

            One more thing I believe James would tell us is to be graceful with others. As he says, "No human being can tame the tongue..." (James 3:8). The only way we can get a grasp on it is by allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our words. Those who do not have the Holy Spirit living in them cannot see the darkness they are in. By gently reproving, and maintaining accountability, we can show them a glimpse of light. We cannot judge the depravity of others when they have never known another way to live. James would remind us to be forgiving when someone has wronged us in a moment of haste. 

            James also talks about baring fruit in verse 12. Luke 6:43-45 talks about the same idea. We will be known by our fruit whether we are of Christ or not. What we show the world will be how they see the Lord, and His is a reputation that must be upheld and honored at all costs. 

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Additional thoughts and further Scriptures:

            We are the salt and light to this earth. To paraphrase Andy Stanley: we are the preservative to a dying world.

Matthew 4:16, 5:14,16

Mark 9:50

John 1:5, 8:12

Acts 13:47

Colossians 4:6

1 Corinthians 4:5

Ephesians 5

1 Peter 2:9