Does Your Online Reputation Matter?

Social media and online communication has transformed how we connect with others. It allows us to better share information and leverage influence for good, but it also magnifies controversy and normalizes the outrageous, often in the form of viral conspiracy theories or the vilification of those with an opposing view. In recent years many of us have observed the intensification of online conflict over politics, theological controversies and, most recently, the Covid-19 pandemic.

As an active user in numerous online communities, I find myself often asking the question, “How can Christian leaders avoid some of the pitfalls of social media and how should we be leveraging these mediums for good and for God’s glory?” For some of you the answer is to avoid social media entirely and yet others, like me, see it as an opportunity to build and maintain relationships and to share information that influences others for good. These mediums are particularly helpful for Christian leaders as they seek to build missional relationships and connect with a broader audience in the community where they are hoping to be a light for the Gospel. This leads to three questions I would like to answer in this post, mostly focusing on the role of a Christian leader.

• Does the Bible have anything to say about how we use online communication? 
• Should we be concerned about our online reputation and what it communicates to others? 
• How can we best leverage social media to advance the Gospel and build relationships?

To answer these questions, I’d like us to explore Paul’s words in 1 Timothy 3:7. In this verse Paul is writing to his apprentice Timothy about the qualifications for church leadership. After listing numerous other qualifications he writes, "Moreover, he (an elder) must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.” The outsiders to whom Paul is referring are literally those outside the church, in the broader unbelieving community. Amazingly, what Paul is saying here is that what those outside the church think of you can actually disqualify you from leadership and lead you into disgrace, which is a snare of the devil. So, how others perceive us really does matter. This should sober us and make us think twice about how we communicate, especially in the digital realm which, in many ways, magnifies the power and influence of our words.

This leads to the question, "How do we build the kind of online reputation which honors the Lord and strengthens our influence for good?” Paul’s answer is found in the qualifications for prospective elders in verses 1-6. According to these verses a "good reputation” strengthens your witness as it highlights the character of Christ being formed within you. If we apply this to the broader audience of all Christian leaders, these character qualities include being a loving and faithful spouse and parent, being self-controlled, hospitable, gentle, not quarrelsome and not greedy. Based on this list, here are some sample questions you can ask in the context of your online reputation.

1. Does my online presence communicate my love for spouse, family, friends and the broader community in which I live?
2. Am I measured in the things I say, stewarding my words with gentleness and self-control, with the hopes of communicating in a way that is loving and welcoming to others?
3. Do I avoid topics that ignite conflict and controversy with others? In other words, do my words make people feel hurt, angry, belittled or misunderstood? Paul makes clear that there are controversies that can easily consume people but are not profitable for Christian unity and witness (Titus 3:9, 2 Timothy 2:23)
4. Do my pictures and words communicate greed? Is there a tone of selfishness as I seek to impress others with my words, abilities or possessions? 
5. What is my overall online witness? If someone knew me, only through my online presence, what would they say mattered to me most? If anything but the Gospel and godly character rises to the top, then we need to reconsider how we are stewarding our reputation.

This is, of course, not an exhaustive list of questions but it is a good place to start. As you reflect on these questions, don’t hesitate to invite a few trusted friends or family members to provide accountability in this area. According to the apostle Paul in 1 Timothy 4:16, it is the responsibility of leaders to watch themselves and their teaching closely. When we do, we not only save ourselves from promoting a false gospel, but we also communicate a clearer picture of God’s saving grace to the watching world around us.