Facebook, the social networking site that has literally hundreds of thousands, actually over 150 million active users on it’s site, is a phenomenon that has swept the globe. Over 2.6 billion minutes are spent on Facebook each day, with over 13 million users updating their status daily. More than 70% of the users are from outside the United States. No doubt the Christian community is also heavily involved in the use of Facebook. But should they be? The folks over at Shepherd Press Blog have four posts that I will summarize here, but encourage you to read in full. (Before you write them, or me, off as a religious fanatic or zealot – read what they have to say, it may surprise you!)
- Thoughts about Facebook
Does the Bible have anything to say, any principles to live by, that would guide us in our social net-working online? Here area a few to consider from Philippians 2:3,4: (1)Consider others more important than yourself. Not an easy job on a site dedicated to “me”…but it is possible. (2)Communicate only what will build each other up. This is a little easier to accomplish, but watch those comments to those pics! (3)Realize that all our communication involves Christ’ reputation, as well as ours as believers. - Facebook and You
2.6 billion…yes, billion…minutes spent each day on Facebook. I have a Facebook page. Many have found this blog through my Facebook page. Did you realize that even what you post as your status can impact hundreds of people daily? Facebook estimates that the average user has over 100 friends on Facebook. What you post literally can impact hundreds daily – even if you’re only “average”! The temptation is to make our status, and our Facebook site, all about us. And let me gently remind us that the world is not all about us. So, are you honoring God with your Facebook posts & status statements? - Post Only What is Helpful
How can Facebook be helpful to others? Or, can it be? YES! It can be helpful to others as your communication remains faithful to God and His Word. Here are some tips: (1) Be Brief – use the wisdom as in the Proverbs; sometimes less is more, (2)Be truthful and factual – the internet is full of frauds, don’t add to their number! and (3)Be pleasant and encouraging – many of the status reports are emotional in nature and the majority of those are revealing a “down” side in people’s lives. Don’t be fake, but be encouraging as you post! - It’s Just Facebook
Aren’t we just blowing this whole time spent on Facebook out of proportion? It’s not that important, or is it? Is there any part of life that is trivial? Is there any part of life that does not have ample opportunities to please and glorify God? Remember, life is not a spectator sport – its a war! Believers are not to be on the sidelines just whittling life away. Your time on Facebook can be valuable! Don’t be decieved by the world’s thinking that there are “mundane” areas / times of life that really don’t matter. All of life was designed to glorify God – how are you accomplishing that on Facebook?
The folks at Shepherd Press Blog have really thought through this area of social networking and I cannot emphasize enough how much one should surf over to their site and read these posts in full! What are your thoughts on Christians being involved in social networking sites like Facebook, Myspace and others?
that was strong. lots to think about. people including my self spend so many min. on it daily. phew need to cut back. that is why i am going to try the facebook-less February.
I have been thinking about getting rid of my facebook because I think the time I spend on it is somewhat a waste. I think too many people abuse their time with it including myself. When I am bored I go to facebook while I could be reading in God’s word or doing something better to glorify Christ.
Mel & Linds –
It’s good to be thinking and evaluating how much time we spend on Facebook, and actually in any activity. Sometimes our initial reaction upon seeing a misuse of time is to do away with the item in question (Facebook). That may be what is necessary, but even further thinking would lead us to question, “How can I use a reasonable use of time social networking in a way that pleases God and brings Him glory?” Often in life I find that the choices we make are not “either / or” but rather “what will bring the most glory?” or “is this the best use of _______?” or “what is my goal in doing / participating in _______?” May God continue to lead you as you seek to do His will!
~mark
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Well I didn’t read everything – but I do get the jist of it – and think about it often. I think the Lord is always looking at the intention of our heart and what we do with a thing. Anything we use to go against the Lord’s commands is a sin. However, He gives man the intelligence to excel in any realm – technology, medicine, etc. – so Facebook can be a tool for good or evil just as basically anything can.
I am with an on-line alumni group from my high school where we grew up in a semi-cult atmosphere. None of us really talked about it back in the day and have since gone on to make decisions that effect us until this day. The alumni site was created a year ago and it is amazing how each of us saw each other literally 7 days a week – often day and night, yet we were unaware of the situations each of us were going thru at home or even at within the school and church. There are children/students/adults still involved in this organization which we grew up in. The on-line alumni site has been wonderful therapy/sharing/healing/realizing that we were not all alone then or weird to be dealing with the issues still to this day. It was real then and has had an infectious impact on most the student’s/member’s lives. However – relating and reaching out to one another (keeping the fellowship with the brethern) has certainly helped – via online.
Melinda – Thanks for taking time to stop & check out Grace Dependent! I agree that Facebook, as a website, is “amoral” – being neither evil or good in and of itself. And just as you have noted, our use of it determines whether it is pleasing to God or not. May God continue to allow healing in the situations you have described as you continually seek Him! God bless.
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