He would. There was nothing monastic about his lifestyle. He spent so much time in the world with sinners (AKA normal people) he was accused of being one himself.
That said, his use of social media would be very different from mine. We must develop an intentional and fruitful approach to a modern tool with clear benefits, but even more clear dangers. Looking at the life of Jesus can help us do that. When it comes to social media, Jesus would,
1. USE it, not be USED by it
Have you heard the expression, if you aren't paying for the product, then you are the product? Well, to social media companies, you are a hot commodity.
Social media companies have one goal: grab your attention and keep it as long as possible. Your attention is worth billions in advertising, and they will keep you glued to their content at all costs.
We may say we use social media, but social media uses us. Admit it. Why else do we talk about social media using addictive language? Putting our phones down is a constant battle, and that's the idea.
Jesus would USE social media, but he would never be used by it. He would engage it with a purpose, but never at the expense of the in-person relationships or his intimacy with the Father.
He would be in total control.
2. Be aware of its benefits but naive about its dangers.
Jesus devoted his life to those far from him. He came for the sick, not the well. To do this, he had to go to the places where these people went. Today, that would be online. Half the world's population actively uses social media for over two hours a day on average. The numbers are much higher for those under the age of 25. Online is where we are, and it's where we are going.
You have to be online to be a relevant part of culture today, and Jesus would be. That said, He would be very aware of its limits and dangers. He wouldn't casually enter with a mixed agenda and an undefined purpose. He would connect with people meaningfully and communicate the truth with power, clarity, nuance, and grace.
Jesus would not see social media as a substitute for authentic community, and he would be aware of the time-sucking intentions of its creators.
In short, Jesus would have a plan.
Social media is here to stay. It feels as though it will only grow. As followers of Jesus, we have to be there. But, we need to be sober-minded and on guard. For its various benefits, social media destroys more people than it blesses. We can't take it lightly. We need the Holy Spirit to give us self-control and a defined mission so that we use social media, not be used by it.
With Jesus as our guide, followers of Jesus can effectively navigate the trappings of social media and bring his love and light to a place of increasing darkness. Frankly, we have a choice and it’s ours to make.
Want to listen to the full conversation? Listen to Episode 454: Would Jesus Use Social Media?
