For generations, Hollywood, academia, legacy media, and entertainment industries have used their platforms and influence largely to promote a worldview that is increasingly hostile to biblical truth.
Many Christian conservatives have understandably wondered: How can we possibly influence hearts and minds when the loudest microphones seem to belong to humanists and atheists? Those who not only reject God’s design for life, family, marriage, and morality, but who also want to redefine good and evil?
But we do have a voice. We do have platforms.
Today, we have tools in our hands that previous generations could hardly imagine. With a smartphone, computer, and a few minutes of intentional effort, we can share truth, encourage others, expose deception, and point people toward a biblical worldview.
The question is not whether we have the means. The question is whether we have the wisdom, courage, and discipline to use them.
A Type of Mission Field
Too often, Christians view social media only as a source of frustration, conflict, or wasted time. And to be fair, it can certainly become all of those things.
As with any tool, the problem is not the technology itself but how we use it. We can use social media to honor God and uphold His truth—or to seek attention and glorify ourselves. (See Luke 9:23; Galatians 5:24)
Social media does not have to be a platform for self-aggrandizement, anger, strife, or endless arguments. It can be a place where Christians shine light in an increasingly dark culture. Jesus said:
“You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5:13–14)
In previous generations, Christians and engaged citizens used printing presses, newspapers, radio, television, newsletters, and books to communicate truth and shape public opinion. Consider The Federalist Papers: 85 essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay and published in newspapers to persuade citizens to support the newly proposed U.S. Constitution. They understood an important principle—we must use the communication tools available in our generation to advance ideas that matter.
Today, social media is another avenue for fulfilling that same mission.
A single post, article, video, podcast, or personal testimony can reach someone across town—or across the world.
Truth Needs Messengers
One of the great challenges facing our culture is not that truth has disappeared. God’s truth has not changed. The problem is that lies are repeated loudly and constantly, while too many people who know the truth remain silent.
The Apostle Peter instructed believers:
“…always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence” (1 Peter 3:15)
Christians should not use social media to emulate the anger and hostility of the world. We are called to something higher. Our goal is not merely to win arguments. Rather, it is to point people to truth.
We are to “overcome evil with good” and not to repay evil with evil. (Romans 12:17-21)
That means sharing wisely, thinking carefully, checking facts, encouraging others, and remembering that every username represents a person created in the image of God.
Encourage One Another
Discord, division, and discouragement are some of the enemy’s favorite weapons.
Many Christians look at the state of our state and conclude that the battle is hopeless. They see the bills our state lawmakers are passing in Springfield, the cultural confusion, and the attacks on biblical values, and it is easy to lose hope.
But remember the account of Elisha in 2 Kings 6.
When Elisha’s servant saw the enemy surrounding them, he was overwhelmed with fear. But Elisha answered:
“Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” (2 Kings 6:16)
Then Elisha prayed that God would open his servant’s eyes, and he saw the mountain filled with horses and chariots of fire.
We need that reminder today.
We are not alone. (See Hebrews 13:5-6)
One of the blessings of social media is that it allows believers across Illinois, America, and the world to connect, encourage one another, and stand together for truth. In Hebrews 10:24-25, we are told:
“…let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”
You may not have a television program, a newspaper column, a podcast, or a large platform. But you do have an influence.
Your family, friends, neighbors, church members, and community are paying attention. Every Christian has an opportunity to use their voice in their individual spheres of influence.
Post Scripture. Encourage someone. Promote good events or conferences. Share an IFI video, reel, article, or call to action. Recommend a helpful podcast. Speak up for the preborn. Defend religious liberty. Celebrate marriage and children as blessings. Challenge destructive ideas with truth and grace.
Don’t underestimate small acts of faithfulness.
Partner With IFI
This is why the Illinois Family Institute works hard to communicate biblical truth through every available platform.
If you are reading this, you already know about our website and probably our email list, but there is much more.
Follow IFI on social media. Share articles. Watch and pass along videos from YouTube and Rumble. Listen to the Illinois Family Spotlight podcast. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Sign up for IFI email alerts so you can stay informed and take action.
Help us amplify the message.
The Prophet Hosea wrote:
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.
Because you have rejected knowledge,
I also will reject you from being My priest.
Since you have forgotten the law of your God,
I also will forget your children.” Hosea 4:6
Our culture desperately needs the truth of God’s Word. It is abundantly clear that a growing number of our neighbors have little knowledge of Scripture, God’s commands, or the biblical principles that lead to God’s blessings, including the blessing of our U.S. Constitution.
In a letter to the Massachusetts Militia in 1798, President John Adams warned:
“Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”
We are blessed to live in a nation where “We the People” have both the freedom and the responsibility of being good stewards of self-government. Civic engagement is not separate from our Christian calling.
George Washington wisely stated:
“It should be the highest ambition of every American to extend his views beyond himself and to bear in mind that his conduct will not only affect himself, his country and his immediate posterity; but that its influence may be co-extensive with the world and stamp political happiness or misery on ages yet unborn.”
Engaging the public square through social media platforms is an opportunity to extend biblical principles into the culture. It is a practical way to love our neighbors and seek the good of the land where God has placed us.
Social media will never replace personal relationships, local churches, or face-to-face discipleship. But it is a tool—and Christians should use every good tool available—to advance what is true, honorable, and pleasing to God.
We have the opportunity to make the light of our faith shine so brightly that others cannot help but glorify our Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)
