“Social Media: Power to Change Lives,” For the Strength of Youth, Apr. 2022.
Social Media: Power to Change Lives
Sure, it’s fun to see what your friends are up to. But your use of social media can actually change lives.
Have you ever thought about how the technology that people have invented was actually inspired by the Lord to hasten His work?
Think of the miracle of the airplane. The Lord’s missionaries can now reach every corner of the world in a matter of hours. What about the smartphone? The first missionaries could only reach the people in their same room. But a phone connected to social media can be a tool to instantly share the gospel to a virtually unlimited number of people.
A global pandemic has advanced the use of social media to help missionaries and members reach more of God’s children. If you use social media, here are some principles you can follow to help gather Israel. As you read, ponder how you can use social media to help in this important work.
Share Why You’re Happy
While Ashlee Steede was on her mission, she connected with a young woman who reached out to her because she loved the pictures of her happy family. “Based off of my profile she could tell that God was important to me. She felt there was something special about my family. She said we looked so happy, and that was something she wanted. She loved everything we taught, and she was baptized.”
Give It a Try:
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If you really love something, you’ll want to share it with others. Start by developing your own love for the gospel and then share why it makes you happy.
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Share what you are grateful for and include some pictures.
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Share posts that inspire you, perhaps from your local missionaries or from General Authorities.
Be Authentic and Creative
People can often tell if what you’re posting is sincere and genuine. When we post with the Spirit, we can touch many hearts.
An elder in New York posted a tender personal story. A girl who saw the post connected with missionaries. The elder’s genuine testimony helped her decide to be baptized.
Missionaries in New Zealand posted ads for free service on Facebook. They were so busy doing service that they were featured in two local newspapers.
Missionaries in Romania create advertisements for free prayers. People submit their numbers, missionaries in their city call them, explain prayer, and they pray together.
“I’ve said several prayers with people where the Spirit is overwhelmingly strong,” Sister Maci Sorensen said. “It’s been so amazing to call all these people and pray with them.”
Give It a Try:
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Share an experience or scripture that brought you closer to Christ.
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Post videos of your musical, artistic, athletic, or cooking skills and relate them to simple gospel principles or scriptures.
Focus on Helping the One
“I joined a Christian Facebook group and posted about feeling God’s love,” Sister Ashton Petty said. “Within 24 hours I had about 200 comments. One comment in particular stood out to me. I messaged him individually, and he told me he didn’t deserve to feel God’s love. I told him about the infinite Atonement of Jesus Christ. Eventually he was baptized. On your social media accounts, testify of God’s love, because you never know who needs to hear it.”
Give It a Try:
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Consider messaging your friends individually to respond to their questions and comments. Share with them the gospel principles that have helped you.
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Offer to answer questions about the Church in a post.
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Personally invite your friends to seminary or Church activities.
Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has said: “I believe the time has come for us as disciples of Christ to use these inspired tools more appropriately and more effectively to … proclaim the reality of the Restoration of the gospel in the latter days. …
“… I exhort you to sweep the earth with messages filled with righteousness and truth—messages that are authentic, edifying, and praiseworthy.” 1