My son laughed at the idea that his mom and dad were on FaceBook. Why, I'm not sure. It isn't like we're backwards from a technology standpoint. I actually feel fairly certain that I'm above average when it comes to the use of technology, both in business and in my personal life.
FaceBook has been an interesting experience. I've enjoyed the way I'm being connected to old friends long forgotten. I have been able to catch up with people last seen over 30 years ago. That has proved fun though it also points out just how many years have gone by. Most of them have raised their children and are even grandparents. I still remember them as they were at 19 and 20 years old.
FaceBook has also been revealing in some other ways. Mostly, this occurs in the status comments where people post how they feel or tell about what they are doing. Some are fun to read. Some are encouraging. Some are innocent. But others are troubling.
Whining. Some Christians, who are supposed to be full of the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-24) such as love, joy, and peace, post Facebook status messages complaining about life and its troubles. Some seem to never be able to post positive things. "John is having a bad day." "Karen's friends don't want to spend any time with her." Some complain out loud about nearly everything. Where is the joy of being a Christian? When did we lose the concept of thinking on good things? (Philippians 4:8) These complainers will likely not join us in heaven because they likely blame God for their troubles - not on Facebook mind you, but in their inner hearts.
Disappointing. It has always been discouraging to me to hear about Christians who involve themselves in activities that are questionable, if not sinful, for Christians to be involved in. For example, several have posted on Facebook about movies they've seen, talking about how good the movie was, yet it is rated R. Simply from the previews it is obvious Christians have no business seeing the movie. Others will post a status and use language that is inappropriate for Christians to utter or write. Others post pictures of themselves immodestly dressed so not only am I discouraged by knowing they dress immodestly, I see them dressed immodestly.
Poor Selection Of Friends. Paul warns us about the company we keep. In 1 Corinthians 15:33 he said, "Do not be deceived; Evil company corrupts good habits." Looking at the Facebook pages of some Christians I know, it is obvious that they use poor judgement in their selection of friends. The comments their friends make on their page include inappropriate slang, outright cursing, references to drinking and drugs, etc. Paul indicated that we cannot go out of the world in our effort to avoid sin but he also tells us we must select our company carefully, lest we be corrupted by them. It is obvious that some Christians may have been "deceived" and need to rethink who their Facebook "friends" are and delete them...from Facebook and from their personal lives!
Time Wasting. Sometimes we talk about how hard it is to take the gospel to others. We comment about how our area is a "hard area" and "people are just not interested in hearing the gospel." Sometimes we talk about "how busy we are." It is apparent that many Christians on Facebook are consumed with Facebook and have no time for finding those to study with because they are spending far too much time on Facebook. They have multiple farms, they send hugs, kisses, and presents of all types to all their friends, they take quiz after quiz and score higher and higher on several Facebook games. Christians are to be "redeeming the time" in reference to those outside the body of Christ. (Colossians 4:5) Could Satan be using Facebook to make you an ineffective Christian while you sit for hours at your computer involved in all Facebook has to offer?
No doubt there are good things about Facebook. But for all its good, it must be kept in perspective. It has revealed some things to me that I wish I didn't know about some Christians. I hope they'll repent. The world has a very strong grip on too many Christians these days and I am afraid they have been overcome while feeling they are "okay" with the Lord. The Bible warns again and again, "Be not deceived."
July 27, 2009 Followup: A blog reader suggested this audio link. I think it is worthwhile.
5 comments:
I applaud you for this blog! It all comes down to how a Christian spends his/her free time. would you like Zaccheaus have the Lord as your guest at that place you go to after office?
Wilson.
Hi Bill!
Just read your blog and agree with some of it. I thought I would subject a few points to the Berean test too.
I don't see too many whiners on Facebook, but I do see some friends from time to time who need encouragement and prayer as they go through a rough patch. I'm glad I have a Facebook connection with them so that I can "weep with those that weep". The others, I'm not qualified to judge them as worthy or unworthy of heaven, especially if I don't see their "inner hearts".
Jesus had some sketchy friends too, didn't he? Nearly all the ones I can think of let him down at some point or other. I don't want friends to drag me down into sin, certainly not, yet I dont' want to be so insulated from people of the world that I have to drop the Good News down to them from my spiritual C130 cargo plane as I zoom over on my way to church.
cont.
As far as wasting time goes, we all have diversions don't we? You admit to bird watching and moose chasing. Me, I paint, read, used to play at lot of golf. Can I say these are more worthwhile time wasters than working on a virtual farm on Facebook?
Well, gotta go, time to catch up on my soaps!
Offered charitably, John Presley
John,
Thanks for the comments. I obviously don't have in mind those who are going through rough spots. I, too, want to weep with them (and do) during the tough times. The post specifically referred to those who are always negative and can't seem to post positive things. Perhaps none of your Facebook friends post such status comments. I've seen them and thought they needed to be addressed.
Further, I didn't advocate isolation from the world. But I did point out Paul's warning about being careful about the company we keep.
In regard to the time wasting aspect of Facebook this statement was made. "No doubt there are good things about Facebook. But for all its good, it must be kept in perspective." There is no condemnation of diversions, only a warning to keep it in perspective. Surely you agree that we can make an idol of painting, golf, bird watching, etc., and I assume that you would try and point out to those who do, that they should try and gain a better perspective on their diversions.
Perhaps you don't feel the world is consuming Christians. From my perspective Satan has a stronger grip on God's people than I have ever seen in my life. I want to help everyone I can stop seeking after earthly things and "set their minds on things above." That's all the post was intended to do.
Bill
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