New York Times best-selling author Lisa Bevere is urging caution on the use of social media, particularly when it comes to viral posts, which she says are being mistaken by some as signs of approval from God.
In an interview with The Christian Post, Bevere decried the lack of accountability on social media and pointed out that the Bible warns readers that everyone will give an account for "every idle word." She argued that the Bible's warning can be applied to social media and that the Bible verses stating that not everyone should be masters and teachers can also apply to bloggers and posters.
The internationally renowned speaker said that some Christians have been affected by "mob mentality," in which people believe they can "say whatever they want to say, and when it goes viral they think they have the approval of God."
"But that's not the case. Sometimes, when things go viral, you're not impacting people, you're infecting them. You're pointing out problems and not solutions. If you don't give people an answer and point them to Jesus, you're just creating more of a problem," she told The Christian Post.
In her latest book "Adamant: Finding Truth in a Universe of Opinions," Bevere advises Christians not to rely on the opinions of people, and look to God instead for truth and certainty.
The author argued that having a large number of followers on social media does not give people any kind of authority.
"Being under the authority of the Word of God and being under the authority of the relationship of a community of believers, these are the things that give us true authority," she told The Christian Post.
Bevere urged Christians to be careful about what they post on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter and ask themselves first whether they are "advancing the Kingdom of God" or "causing people to recoil."
She reminded Christians that they are ambassadors of Christ and that they should not hold people "emotional hostage" by posting their personal struggles on social media for everyone to read.
The author called on Christians not only to preach the truth boldly, but also to live it with confidence, in light of the cultural changes. She contended that people should actually see Christians "live the truth in love" rather than just hear them preach it.
Bevere and her husband, John, are the founders of Messenger International, which is aimed at guiding Christians on how to be uncompromising when preaching the Gospel. Apart from "Adamant," she has also authored other books such as "Without Rival," and "Lioness Rising."
