Taming the Fingers: Heavenly Wisdom for Social Media

by Jeff Johnson, Tim Challies (Foreword)

While social media has many benefits, it often serves as a breeding ground for divisiveness and hostility. Hidden behind our screens, we are often tempted to type things we would never say aloud. With wisdom from the Proverbs, Pastor Jeff Johnson offers five practical questions that can help us cultivate heavenly wisdom in our use of social • Am I controlled? • Am I calm? • Am I careful? • Am I compassionate? • Am I conscientious? Read Taming the Fingers to turn social media into a tool for God’s glory.

Genres: Christian, Technology

88 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2023

Reviews

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deals only with posting/arguing publically, not with reading/scrolling or with closed groups. Good arguments, helpful illustrations, witty, short.

[hannah cottrill · Rating 5 out of 5]

|| 4.5 ⭐️ ||

This little book holds more wisdom than all the social media/technology usage books I’ve read put together. Jeff Johnson boils it down to the most basic questions we should be asking ourselves surrounding social media, especially in regards to our intentions. Everything he discussed was deeply rooted in Scripture and helped me to understand the heart issues behind how I and others use social media. Even though I’ve been off social media for a while now and don’t plan to return maybe ever (a large part having to do with the temptations for misusing it described in this book!), I was convicted on varying levels in all of these chapters.

My only complaint is that it was so short! Even though everything that needed to be said was said, I wouldn’t have minded a bit more expansion on a couple of the chapters.

Being such a small book that could fit in your pocket (if you wear men’s jeans, that is), I can visualize it sitting on those little literature/magazine/Daily Bread shelves in church lobbies. Relevant as can be.

[Jason Mccool · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a lot of good wisdom packed in a very small book. A lot of it is the author applying the book of Proverbs to our modern social media scenario (one that surely needs an injection of wisdom). Under 90 pages and small enough to fit in my back pocket easily, this was a perfect book to have with me for reading when I might normally pull out my phone. It was very convicting for me, and if you've spent any time engaged in social media like me, you'll surely find some statements you can say "Ouch" to like I did. But those are the things that help us grow, so you'll eventually say "thanks, Jeff" afterward. I'll give one extended example from page 25-26:

"A current issue being plastered all over social media may be worthy of someone's time and energy, but is it worth yours in light of all the fields God has given you to cultivate? Examine yourself to see if social media is distracting you from the stewardship the Lord has clearly given to you. What about the field of your marriage? I have in mind the man whose marriage is substandard. Lots of rocks are in that field, and it is producing very little fruit. I can see him sitting at his computer in a room apart from his wife with his eyes glued to the screen researching the latest controversy so he can evaluate what is being said on social media and respond intelligently. If the truth be told, he has not researched his wife in years. ... Consequently, more thorns and thistles are growing in the field. Sir, how is spending that time on social media helping you to love your wife like Christ loved the church?" Yep, ouch. Now to get off the computer and go think about how to love my wife better.

So, I'd definitely recommend it. It's a quick and relatively cheap read for some very insightful constructive criticism that can be a good wake-up call for those immersed in (un)social media.

[James Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Taming the Fingers: Heavenly Wisdom for Social Media" was an instructive and helpful book on questions to ask regarding interaction with social media. The book asked five major questions with information related to each of these areas. The questions were as follows: 1) Am I controlled?: 2) Am I calm?; 3) Am I careful?; 4) Am I compassionate; and 5) Am I conscientious? I found the format for these chapters to be helpful as it was outlined in a simple manner. One of the highlights of the book is the way in which numerous Scriptural verses were used, with a special focus on the book of Proverbs, to support these questions and the content of each chapter. Additionally, the book was time manageable and would be one that could be given to others for consideration without the amount of time to read it being a factor. The chapters are bite size, but still provide good and helpful information. Overall, I found it to be a good book with beneficial questions to ask myself as I navigate the social media world.

[Josiah Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent and short read. Johnson first shows that we ought to view our comments on social media in the same way we view our speech because Scripture holds written communication to the same level as spoken communication. He then walks through the Proverbs and gives very helpful and convicting principles concerning speech and applies them to social media. Even though I do not post on social media much, this was a convicting read concerning my speech.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wisdom is as wisdom does.

[Kyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of the quickest most convicting reads yet for me. This one kinda stings a bit, especially in the first half. To know what/where you were, where you've come, and what areas you've still got to purify, grow and to be sanctified. This book in general is just a nice application of Proverbs to how we should be treating one another, with actions, and our words, not just with our thumbs on the internet.

This book is talking about Facebook, even if it doesn't say so. Says it's not "evil" but (maybe) it is. None of these books talk about how it was a surveillance tool for US intelligence (Julian Assange claimed this, can be debated), however even before Congress they admitted the data they collect is used to put contrary opinions, worldviews, news, political activism Infront of your eyes to spark rage, emotion, and simply engagement whether good or bad, Twitter does the same thing. It's temptation to sin (in my opinion) to the highest degree, plus it's a drug to keep you opening the app generating them revenue. So it really doesn't matter how pure I make my Facebook feed to only show a Reformed Christian worldview, and eliminate my friends list to just my mother let's say, Facebook will still pump counter content in my feed in an attempt to make me lose my temper, start a war with my thumbs and join fools in their folly, and murder my neighbors with foolish takes. We wouldn't encourage an alcoholic to get a drink of water at an open bar, so I don't think it's wrong to excuse yourself from the social space, and I don't think people, books, and authors should make you feel like you're rebelling against something, God, or dishonoring the great commission by not having an online presence.

All in all great message though, but let's not be naive what social media is fundamentally designed for in the eyes of the corporate platforms and boards that run them, to which I say "good day" and "no thank you" and I don't think I'm wrong for deleting my accounts. I'm still learning the cases made for God's providential and sovereign perspective and control to social media that some of these books layer onto technology, phones, and social media and it is very challenging for me which is good, our flesh is still corrupt though, and these apps are designed to peddle lust and envy, like men's and women's lifestyle magazines.

I know people who use their accounts for wholesome and godly content, work, and sharing their lives and it's great. It can be a amazing tool, as well as a gigantic megaphone for the Gospel, if used gracefully (the million dollar conundrum)

I also was not a wholesome social media user for 7ish years fighting in the political space so my fires still rage on in social media subsects of the culture wars I no longer have room in my heart and mind for. I'm probably wrong and it's all my opinion anyway. 😂😅

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jeff Johnston's book Taming the Fingers is excellent. It's full of the wisdom of the Proverbs applied to our use of social media.

Unfortunately we don't have to go far in social media to witness the foolishness that it allows for, when that foolishness is pedalled by Christians it's not only sad and sinful but damaging to the cause of the gospel.

"The technology that has given us social media has taken away much of the quality control that governs communication".

The book is 5 practical chapters covering the questions
• Am I controlled?
• Am I calm?
• Am I careful?
• Am I compassionate?
• Am I conscientious?

Jeff makes no apology for tackling the conscience of those who feel their voice should be heard whether it be on current affairs or church matters. Even if you dont feel the need to use social media to air what should be your private opinions there is still much to take away from Jeffs reminders about our motives for sharing what we do.

The author admits there is much that is good about social media while also diagnosing there are certainly some Christians who would be better off without it.

This book is not long, many could read it in one sitting. It would be good to read on more areas of social media wisdom from the same author eg taming your social media usage!

Thoroughly recommended for anyone challenged about their social media use.

[Janina Jayme-Salubo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has greatly impacted my social media usage. This is short and easy-read. It made me realize how my motives on posting on socmed are sometimes sinful. What I thought was "standing for the truth" actually meant "feeling superior to others because of the knowledge of the truth." The Holy Spirit has used this book to make me repent of my ill-motives and selfish desires. Highly recommended!

[Daniel Arter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is worth reading for pretty much everyone (even those who aren’t on social media as the principles given apply to life in general).

It’s short, highly practical, and worth the time it takes to read.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding

What a blessing this book is. I finally have quit social media. INMHO....it is addictive and a waste of time.

[Eric Schick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good stuff but not quite what I expected. Mainly has to do with the way you use your words in the things that you post and not social media in general.

[Danieltituscom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic! Jeff Johnson pastorally addresses the matter, manner, and motive of our words on social media (and elsewhere). I will heartily recommend this book!

[Daniel Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Timely, pastoral and practical little book. Pastor Johnson addresses this sensible subject with biblical wisdom. I recommend to every christian on social media, especially pastors.

[Sara Kessler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished in one day! Very easy read. Extremely practical and well done. It was definitely a zinger that convicted me.

[Ramona Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

a pretty good interesting read and a lot to consider