Using Social Media for God’s Glory, Not Your Own
By Aaron Joseph Hall
Social media is everywhere. It fills our pockets, fills our minds, and, if we’re honest, can fill our hearts too. From sunrise to midnight scrolls, these platforms shape what we think, value, and even how we see ourselves. Likes, shares, comments, and followers have become the digital currency of worth. Everyone’s got an audience.
But as a Christian, I can’t ignore a hard question: Am I using these tools to honor God, or am I just chasing attention for myself? It’s tempting to follow the world’s lead, but the call to Christ asks for more—a reordering of every area, including the feeds and pages people barely notice. If I really believe God cares about everything, then my posts, my photos, and my words all matter. My online presence should show who owns my heart.
Redefining Social Media: From Self-Promotion to Godly Purpose
Social media pulls at something in all of us. It makes us want to show off the best version of ourselves. The filters and captions, the highlights, the clever replies—they can turn me into the star of my own show. But Scripture gives a different story.
Paul writes, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31) That “whatever you do” includes social media. Colossians 3:17 says, “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
This touches every post, every reply, every story. The call is not to make myself look good, but to make God known. That’s radically different from what the world cheers. Instead of feeding my brand, I’m called to feed souls with truth and love. It takes humility. It also takes honesty.
Recognizing the Temptation of Self-Glorification
Let’s be real. Most people want to be seen, valued, praised. That’s why I check for likes right after posting. I can fall into the habit of seeking validation from strangers, instead of resting in God’s approval. The scroll can turn sour, fast. Suddenly I’m comparing my life, my home, my family to someone else's reel of the best moments. I can start to feel less than, or maybe, if I look “better,” I start to judge.
Boasting wears many masks. Is it the #humblebrag about my success, my faith, my kids? Is it one-upping others in a comment thread? Or posting what sounds like a prayer request but is really a way to share my own struggles for sympathy?
It is easy to justify all this. I tell myself, “I’m sharing what God has done!” But if my goal is applause or envy, I miss the mark. Jesus warned, “Beware of practicing your righteousness before others to be seen by them.” (Matthew 6:1) Am I hungry for God’s “well done,” or for a hundred thumbs ups?
Renewing Our Motives Online
I need to ask myself hard questions.
Why am I really posting this?
Would I share this story if no one knew it was from me?
Is this comment meant to lift up another, or to cut them down?
Am I stirring up faith, or just stirring the pot?
Every post, every comment, shapes something inside me. Am I using my platform to bless, or to seek fame? True faith works quietly, and it shows up in small, unseen acts. If I want my life to point to Jesus, that must include the spaces where I’m most tempted to seek the world’s praise.
Let’s be intentional. Let’s pause before hitting “post.” Let’s ask God: How does this bring You glory? Am I obeying the Spirit, or am I feeding pride or bitterness? I can surrender even these small moments to His purpose.
Practical Ways to Use Social Media for God’s Glory
I’m not going to say social media is all bad. It can be a place for light, truth, kindness, and real connection. Here’s how I aim to shift the focus from me to God.
Sharing Encouragement and Biblical Truth
One of the best uses of social media is sharing what lasts.
Post scripture passages that have encouraged you.
Share answers to prayer, giving credit to God.
Tell stories of God’s work in your life—honestly, without making yourself the hero.
Pass along songs, sermons, or podcasts that lift Jesus high.
The world is filled with criticism and complaints. Even one post, honestly pointing to hope or grace, can be a light in someone’s dark night. The point is not to show off my spirituality, but to share the hope I have in Christ.
Promoting Others and Building Community
It’s easy to build a platform around myself. But what if I used it to celebrate others?
Highlight someone else’s serving heart.
Share about a ministry that’s meeting needs.
Cheer for a friend’s accomplishment without feeling threatened.
Speak up for those without a voice.
When I stop competing and start encouraging, I build up the body of Christ. My influence isn’t for my name, but for the story God is writing through many people. Jesus said the greatest among us is servant of all. Am I using my posts to serve, or to seek attention?
Practicing Discernment and Digital Sabbath
Sometimes the most faithful thing I can do is log off. Social media can feed anxiety, anger, or distraction. It’s wise to set boundaries.
Decide how much time each day is healthy online.
Recognize triggers that lead to envy or comparison, and avoid them.
Take a weekly “digital Sabbath”; turn off notifications and listen for God’s voice.
Ask a trusted friend to pray for your online life.
If I never step away, I may lose perspective. Jesus often withdrew to pray. In the same way, I need regular space to let God reset my heart. I can’t pour out truth if my soul is dry from comparison or resentment.
Conclusion
Social media shapes hearts, often in hidden ways. As a Christian, I’m called to honor God in every place—including online. When I think about my posts, my sharing, my scrolling, I have to ask: Who gets the glory here?
I want to use my presence online to point to someone greater than myself. I want my words to encourage, my posts to strengthen, my sharing to build up—not just my own image, but the family of God. It’s not always easy, and it always starts in the heart.
Lord, help me surrender even my smallest posts to You. Let my social media life point to Your love and grace. Teach me to seek Your approval above all, and to use every tool at my fingertips for Your glory, not my own.
Take a moment. Do your latest posts show your heart for God, or for self? Today, start again. Use your digital presence as an act of worship. Give God the glory, one post at a time.
Aaron Joseph Hall is a devoted husband, father of four, pastor, and author. He’s the Founding and Lead Pastor of a new church coming to Daphne, Alabama, called Jubilee City Church. Passionate about writing, Aaron shares insights and inspiration on his blog: AaronJosephHall.com. You can follow him on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and Threads.
