Deuteronomy 11: 26 Behold I set before you this day a blessing and a curse.
Very many of the inventions of man come with what we just read of in our first passage: a blessing and a curse, because in many cases, much good could be derived, but at the same time much evil can result. In most cases, it has to do with how the inventions are used, whether for good or evil.
For instance, nuclear energy can be used to provide much needed power to homes, and business alike, but it can also be used to cause terrible destruction and loss of life. The television can be used to share important information with the masses of people or in many cases be used to televise the gospel to the remotest places on earth.
But it could also be used as a vehicle to spread lots of conspiracy theories, and propaganda that can do more harm than good. The same is true of the social media platforms for they can be used for great good or for great evil, depending on the intentions of the users and creators of the platforms in question.
So, things are definitely not the way they used to be for great changes in our world have taken place, and continue to take place, from the time when Daniel prophesied that knowledge would be increased, to the here and now.
In a relatively short period of time earth has gone from land line phones to cell phones from those old type writers to computers, from working on the job to working at home, from the internal combustion engine, to the here and now where we have self – driving electric cars, and lots of artificial intelligence.
And it seems as if the more we invent, the more we are becoming prisoners of our own devices. To see if this is true, just take a minute, and reflect on all the things you think you can’t do without, the plethora of gizmos and modern inventions that have become an integral part of everyday living. But they do come with positives and negatives in many instances.
The friendly smile, the handshake, the embrace, the in-person chit chat between family, and friends have been replaced, in large part, with the phenomenon of social media platforms, in so much that we have become accustomed to talking, laughing, crying and sympathizing, all from a distance.
Not long ago, doing church via zoom would have been unthinkable, for no one would have thought that the physical in-person ambience of praise and prayer would have been be replaced by the distant forms of worship that social media platforms now afford.
With the exception of persons who are physically unable, it boggles the mind, how individuals, and churches, can do communion via Zoom, a concept that would have made the early Christians recoil in amazement.
Back then in the early days of Christianity, personal fellowship, in breaking bread from house to house, and gospel ministry on a personal level were the lifeblood of the church, and the results are there before us. Let’s read:
Acts 2: 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
47 Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
But lo and behold, social media inventions allow the churches to provide services at a distance, so that the physical presence and interaction which in times past had characterized the fellowship of believers, is now replaced in many instances with a distant form of interconnection, and one of the reasons why it has taken deep root is that it appeals to our comfort zone.
This is not to say that social media does not play a vital role in getting the truth out to remote places. It does, for without these facilities, in places upon the earth where the true Gospel cannot be preached in person, individuals can now go on line and access a plethora of presentations from various missionaries, preachers, and televangelists.
Thus, social media does have its place; but the new tendency to sit at home in the comfort of one’s bed, snuggling under the covers, and sipping lemonade while Divine hour is going on, was something that a few years ago would have been unthinkable.
And as a direct result, even though we seem to be more electronically connected, yet many persons are becoming more-lonely, and a deep chasm, void of that personal touch has developed, to the point where A.I generated girlfriends are wreaking havoc on the male psyche, since persons could now order their very own tailormade A.I girl to suit their fancy.
Social media platforms have taken the lead in the work of transforming relationships and friendships to the electronic and digital, so that, a very heavy responsibility now rests upon their shoulders to try and mitigate some of the inevitable fallout that the principles of our democracy and freedoms afford, as it pertains to social media.
As was stated previously, very daunting challenges are now facing social media companies like TikTok, Facebook, and X, formerly Twitter, in that they are finding themselves responsible for the publishing of content, some good, some evil, and in this, we can surely refer to our first passage which says: Behold I set before you this day a blessing and a curse.
The evaluation, and publishing of content, while at the same time, balancing, and protecting freedom of speech and expression has become an enormous problem, in so much that not even the Feds can put the genie back into the bottle, where it pertains to the responsible management of all content.
And artificial intelligence has added fuel to the fire, in that deep fake representations call into question such issues as copyright infringement, consent from unwilling persons, and the manipulation of pictures, facts, and information, on an increasingly alarming scale.
In fact, there is a particularly troubling trend taking the young and restless by storm, as it pertains to A.I. in the world of online relationships. It is making its way in darkness now but its debilitating and adverse results will soon begin to bubble up to the surface.
Thus, in order to avoid throwing out the baby with the bath water, good, and evil are allowed to thrive side by side, for there are no significant standards set forth by the authorities to determine what will be acceptable and what will be proscribed, for it has become a high wire dance between our freedoms, and moral responsibility.
Persons can now access a plethora of preachers and televangelists, presenting a cacophony of divergent views on the role of Israel, the rapture and the state of the dead. On the other hand, pornography, in its various forms, is permitted under guises which push the very limits of tolerance and rational thought.
Added to this conundrum is the fact that the Bible is no longer the moral authority in modern society, so that it is basically left up to social media executives to determine what will be acceptable, and what will be permitted in the name of freedom of speech and freedom of expression.
The Scriptures were given us as the universal moral compass, to guide the feet of fallen humanity back to the source of life and happiness, even to Christ, our Creator, Redeemer, and soon coming King.
But without a generally accepted moral reference point, everyone is left to determine for themselves what is right from wrong and from this perspective, phrases like “My truth” “I did it my way” and “Good without God” have taken deep root. This represents a replica of what had come to be the norm with the Hebrews in ancient times. Let’s read:
Judges 17:6 In those days there was no king in Israel but every man did that which was right in his own eyes.
Therefore, the time has now fully come, to address the problem that is plaguing social media platforms, as well as the many billions of subscribers who are now hooked into their systems, with many persons being hooked to the point of addiction.
The following points with the pertinent information are directly addressed to the likes of Twitter, TikTok and Facebook, as well as to their audiences, so that all concerned may make wise choices, the results of which each would have to give an account of in the judgment.
As always, we will present the Scriptural guidelines first, and then we will go to “Huldah” the prophet to see what she says on the matter. This effort is being done without malice, or bias, and with the best of intentions so that the horses which have already left the barn, might at the very least, be partially reined in.
[1] Just because the social media entities might be incorporated as companies or businesses, it doesn’t mean that they are exempt from the law of God nor from responsibility for the results which stem from what they do, or permit. In other words, they do not get a free pass just because it’s a company.
The principles, laws, and statutes found in the Bible cover every aspect of the human experience, and are applicable to individuals, businesses, entities, and governments alike. None are exempt, and each would be held accountable in the courts above.
For instance, there are guiding principles that are to govern what the mind is exposed to, and these carry both personal, and corporate responsibility, so that the people are held accountable for personal choice as well as Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok etc. who are responsible for corporate choices.
Persons who abuse Fentanyl are just as responsible as the drug dealers and pushers who might provide the dangerous substances. None are exempt from being held accountable.
Similarly, content providers, and subscribers alike are to be governed, and instructed by the very same Biblical principles, because the perspective of social media platforms being exempt from God’s law is an incorrect conclusion.
Thus, the Bible gives us the gold standard that must govern both personal, and corporate activities and choices, since the guiding principles pertain to all. Let’s read:
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Isaiah 33:15 He that walks righteously, and speaks uprightly; he that despises the gain of oppressions, that shakes his hands from holding of bribes, that stops his ears from hearing of blood, and shuts his eyes from seeing evil;
16 He shall dwell on high: his place of defense shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure.
Psalms 34:12 What man is he that desires life, and loves many days, that he may see good?
13 Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.
14 Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.
These principles, laws, and instructions do pertain to you and me, as well as to Facebook, Twitter and Tik Tok. None are exempt, just because they might be incorporated as a business.
In fact, a greater responsibility rests with businesses that peddle content, and imagery that could destroy souls, and even though it is understood, that it is a fine balancing act between the freedoms granted in the constitution, and the moral imperative given to all in the Bible, yet the word of God speaks clearly for itself.
[2] Evil content that is not quarantined, and bridled when warranted, does grave harm to the mind that imbibes such information and imageries. There are two main ways in which the deleterious effects accrue: [1] The mind is indoctrinated in evil for by beholding we become changed. [2] The mind is desensitized to the point where the once tender conscience, is not disturbed anymore. Let’s read:
[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 459] Satan is using every means to make crime and debasing vice popular. We cannot walk the streets of our cities without encountering flaring notices of crime presented in some novel, or to be acted at some theater. The mind is educated to familiarity with sin.
The course pursued by the base and vile is kept before the people in the periodicals of the day, and everything that can excite passion is brought before them in exciting stories.
They hear and read so much of debasing crime that the once tender conscience, which would have recoiled with horror from such scenes, becomes hardened, and they dwell upon these things with greedy interest.
Thus, the Bible specifically says that businesses and businessmen will also be held to the same standard of accountability, when the chips are tallied. This is not meant to shutter businesses; it is God’s will that all will pass the smell test when it comes. Let’s read:
Isaiah 24:2 And it shall be, as with the people, so with the priest; as with the servant, so with his master; as with the maid, so with her mistress; as with the buyer, so with the seller; as with the lender so with the borrower; as with the taker of usury, so with the giver of usury to him.
5 The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant.
Revelation 18: 11 And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buys their merchandise any more.
12 The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble,
13 And cinnamon, and odors, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men.
14 And the fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed from thee, and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee, and thou shalt find them no more at all.
[3] The added issue of Copycats through Influencers.
Influencers can do much good, if they are guided by right principles and intentions. The apostle Paul was an influencer, but he used his influence to bring the people to Christ, because if this is not the case, the influencer in question will lead persons to perdition. Three passages of Scripture confirm what is being said. Let’s read:
1st Corinthians 11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
Philippians 4: 9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
Matthew 12: 30 He that is not with me is against me and he that gathers not with me scatters abroad.
Thus, according to the Scriptures influencers can be divided up into two categories, namely gatherers or scatterers, and therefore an influencer can make the world of difference for the better if they would lead their followers in right paths.
But, as is too often the case, influencers often use their influence for purposes that lead the unwary, and the gullible to say and do things that do more harm than good. The shortages of Ozempic, Wegovy and other weight loss drugs could be traced back to influencers, who set the abuse in motion, and as is too often the case, millions have played follow the leader.
TikTok in particular does much to publish the doings of young influencers, and many tweenagers have been adversely affected by trying to emulate some of the daredevil acts and daredevil diets seen on the social media platform.
Some poor souls have become bulimic, in their vain attempts to follow some influencers down a rabbit hole, in chasing after a body sculpture that’s out of reach, or which would adversely affect one’s health and wellbeing, if the advice and the example of the influencer in question is followed.
Thus, even though much is produced and published under the guise of freedom of speech, and freedom of expression, we are reminded that businesses and individuals do not get a pass, just because they may be incorporated.
In fact, efforts should be made by influencers, social media platforms, and subscribers, to rein in evils, by which the young and restless especially, are often led astray. Let’s read:
Matthew 18: 7 Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!
10 Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, that in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.
11 For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.
[S.T December 21, 1891 par. 3] From the moment when he ceased to exert his influence for good, he became an influence for evil. He might have been the center of a hallowed influence, loyal and true, being good, and doing good, but he would not. In separating himself from God, he became a power for evil. Each act of selfishness exerts an influence on others.
[Test. Vol.6 pp 433] Everyone has an influence for good or for evil. If the soul is sanctified to the service of God and devoted to the work of Christ, the influence will tend to gather with Christ.
[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 323] Of all the sins that God will punish, none are more grievous in His sight than those that encourage others to do evil.
[4] The fear of backlash, and economic boycott do drive many companies and individuals to adopt the principles and policies that they themselves would cringe at, on a personal level, but for the craving of profit, truth and duty are too often sacrificed on the altar of popular demand.
Those who take a stand for the right, will have the favor of God at their backs, and even though man’s nemesis would be unwearied in trying to take them down, yet, at the end of the day, the right course of action will bear fruit to the honor and glory of God, and to the benefit of humanity.
Profit and Principle are two modes of thought and action that are often at odds with each other, and even though it is possible, under God, to reconcile the two, profit often rules the day, especially in the corporate environment in which most social media platforms thrive.
Yet, “Hulda” the prophetess has some encouraging words for the likes of Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok, if they’ll follow the rules of engagement, as outlined in the Scriptures. In other words, the social media platforms are to be careful of sacrificing principle for profit, lest millions of persons be dragged down to perdition inadvertently. Let’s read:
[Christ’s Object Lessons pp 349>350] Religion and business are not two separate things; they are one. Bible religion is to be interwoven with all we do or say. Divine and human agencies are to combine in temporal as well as in spiritual achievements.
They are to be united in all human pursuits, in mechanical and agricultural labors, in mercantile and scientific enterprises. God has proclaimed the principles on which alone this co-operation is possible. His glory must be the motive of all who are laborers together with Him. All our work is to be done from love to God and in accordance with His will.
[5] Last but not least is the issue of one’s Personal responsibility.
Everyone will have to answer for themselves before God, whether they be individuals or corporations. It is imperative that persons do their due diligence in guarding the avenues to their souls, from each and every corrupting influence that will taint the tender conscience with the knowledge of evil.
Dear Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok, in closing we do beseech you in Christ’s stead to take concrete action in reining in content that does mortal damage to the minds of subscribers, and the blessing of God would attend such earnest efforts.
And to subscribers, influencers and followers alike, we encourage you to make choices in the perusal of content, that will honor and glorify God. If you are sincerely able to invite God’s presence to view the content you are surfing, then God will be honored thereby. But if not, then great change is need
This cannot be stressed enough, because the mind is being bombarded day in, and day out with ideas, concepts, and suggestions that are contrary to the Scriptures, and thus, it takes deliberate effort on our part, in cooperation with the presence and power of The Holy Ghost to keep the mind from the evils with which we are surrounded. Let’s read:
1st Peter 1: 13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance.
15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be you holy in all manner of conversation.
Proverbs 4: 23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
[Patriarchs and Prophets pp 460] We have a work to do to resist temptation. Those who would not fall a prey to Satan's devices must guard well the avenues of the soul; they must avoid reading, seeing, or hearing that which will suggest impure thoughts.
The mind should not be left to wander at random upon every subject that the adversary of souls may suggest. This will require earnest prayer and unceasing watchfulness. We must be aided by the abiding influence of the Holy Spirit, which will attract the mind upward, and habituate it to dwell on pure and holy things.
We will end with passages of Scripture that would help us to choose wisely, and let social media, and subscribers and influencers be guided by the truths presented today, for the choices we make will have ripple effects, either for good or for evil. Let’s read:
Psalms 19:7 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
8 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.
14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.
God Bless!