So why is boasting such a concern to God? Why does Scripture state that “everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the Lord” (Prov. 16:5)? The reason is simple: to boast is to reveal that you believe you have something to boast in, to elevate yourself over God and others. The reality could not be more different. Adam disregarded God’s command in the garden because he elevated his assessment of the situation above God’s. We choose sin whenever we elevate our desire for that sin over our desire for God. We say harsh words when we elevate our feelings above the feelings of others. And people reject Christ’s salvation when they elevate their moral self-assessment over God’s. Martin Luther described the essence of sin as a turning in on yourself. To boast is to turn in on yourself. To boast is to attempt to take glory that rightly belongs to God alone.

Since sinful boasting shouldn’t be the practice of Christians, is it sinful to share your achievements online as most U.S. teenagers do? Is it sinful to passionately debate your position in a long Facebook thread? Is it sinful to post images of that perfect meal and evening with your friends or spouse? The list could go on. The answer in each of these cases is no, it’s not necessarily sinful—but it could be. So as Christians, we should be cautious and prudent in what we post and share.

Here are two guidelines I encourage you to follow when it comes to your humble use of social media. First, remember that boasting begins in and flows from the heart. As we can’t read hearts, extend a judgment of charity to others and assume the best. Don’t presume a motive behind someone else’s social media update. Second, remember that Jesus summarizes the law of God with these two commands: love God and love your neighbor as yourself (Mark 12:29–31). Sincerely consider both of these commands before posting anything online. Ask yourself if what you’re about to share will please God. If it will, then ask yourself other questions: Is this showing love toward my neighbor? Will it encourage them, challenge them, provide something of value, or deepen a relationship? The big idea is that for Christians, our focus should be external: toward God and toward our neighbor.

One of our greatest accomplishments may be our ability to boast. We are all boasters, and we come from a long line of boasters. In reality, social media is giving us a glimpse into the darkness that has existed in hearts since the fall. But the good news is that God so loved the world, a world full of sinful and boastful people, that He gave His only Son (John 3:16). Jesus died for the boastful so that they would boast in the Lord. Even as Christians, we say and do things online that offend others and offend God. So we must be quick to repent and trust that the Lord has cleansed us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). And then we should pray and ask for God’s grace to pursue humility and holiness online.

Perhaps, then, these strangers that Solomon speaks of praising us will instead give glory to our Father in heaven (Matt. 5:16).