From the moment we wake up until the moment we lay down to sleep, we are inundated with media, information, opinions, and noise. We are given no time to process a headline or a news story before the next one demands our attention.
Oftentimes, we feel an emotional pull to immediately choose a side and maybe even a sudden urgency to post on social media.
As someone who commentates on the issues of the day, I often struggle with this temptation. Admittedly, my instinct is often to take the stance that is edgier or more likely to rile up the masses. However, this is not only dangerous but also unbiblical. Paul warns us that “the time will come when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth” (2 Timothy 4:3-4, ESV).
Social media algorithms reward edgy content, outrage, and quick reactions. But our responsibility as Christians is not to satisfy itching ears. It is to stand firmly in truth.
Truth is often unpopular. As we draw nearer to Christ’s return, it bothers the masses even moreso. Truth will not always be rewarded with likes or shares. In fact, it may invite criticism or pushback. Yet our goal as believers shouldn’t be popularity. Our lives, and our platforms, are not for garnering personal adoration or being controversial for the sake of it. Our aim, rather, is faithfulness.
In September 2025, I had the opportunity to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. After prayerful consideration, I accepted the invitation. A wise friend, Annabelle Rutledge, Vice President of Concerned Women for America, encouraged me to pray over him as we are commanded in 1 Timothy 2:1-2: that “petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”
After a fruitful meeting in which I prayed over Prime Minister Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, many on their team thanked me. They even noted that very few Christians had ever asked to pray over him. Pictures from that day were posted online, and almost immediately they drew criticism and pushback. I wasn’t surprised by opposition from those on the other side. What struck me more deeply was the reaction from fellow Christians who viewed the photo as an endorsement of Netanyahu rather than a simple act of obedience in prayer. This was a perfect display of the breeding ground social media is for gut reactions, unkind words, and unfruitful controversy.
As young Christian women, we must pursue another way in how we interact with media. My friend Abigail coined a helpful acronym with the word PAUSE to address this very thing. It’s a method I’ve adopted myself and encourage every young person to utilize before responding to headlines:
- P – Prove it’s real
- A – Assess the facts
- U – Understand the context
- S – Seek Scripture, outside sources, and wise counsel
- E – Examine whether speaking up now will be edifying
Before we post, share, or comment, we should ask a simple but sobering question: Am I posting for God’s glory, or for the approval of man?
When we pause to truly reflect on our response, we may realize we don’t actually have much to add to the conversation that will be edifying. And that is okay. In fact, it may be the wisest realization.
At a recent event, a panelist asked the audience: when was the last time you prayed before you posted? When was the last time you prayed before you responded?
This is a convicting, but vital question.
A short prayer before posting or replying can change everything:
Lord, give me Your eyes to see the way You see things. Give me ears to listen the way You listen, Lord. Help my words reflect Your heart, God. Give me wisdom, conviction, and grace as I speak. Open the hearts of those who come across this post. Amen.
There is beauty in choosing to pause and listen instead of responding immediately. James writes, “Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger” (James 1:19). In a digital culture built on immediate reactions, pausing and pondering is an act of obedience to the Lord.
Whether we like it or not, our generation is reachable on social media. This presents an opportunity for us to show up in this space differently as those who value truth and obedience rather than being sold out to algorithms. Social media should be a tool to bring glory to God. One day, we won’t answer to our “followers” but rather to the One Who we claim to follow with our whole lives–Almighty God.
*Hannah Faulkner is a Young Women for America Fellow in Tennessee.
