Facebook: "Like" it or leave it?

Once upon a time, in a faraway land called Reality, before MySpace invaded our virtual kingdoms, Facebook took over the world, and Twitter conquered our online existence, people actually had to communicate their thoughts through spoken or written words.
 
Oh yes, gone are the days of actually having a face-to-face conversation with someone unless it’s absolutely necessary. 
Know what I’m saying?

Status Updates
A good friend of mine says, “If you wouldn’t say it in real life, don’t be sayin’ it on Facebook.” That’s the truth.

So what are you saying about yourself through your Facebook account? Think about these questions:
• Do your statuses make Jesus famous or make you famous?
• Is what you post building people up or shredding them to pieces?
• Are you laying out all your dirty laundry or the truth of God’s Word?

Facebook seems like a good place to vent and get it all out there. But, if you’re a believer—especially if you’re a believer—people are watching. And they notice your attitudes, words, and actions.
Ephesians 4:29 says, “Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word is a gift” (The Message). Before you hit “Share” or “Comment,” check your motives. 

Profiles
It’s dangerous to feature every detail about yourself online. Increase your privacy settings and leave out personal stuff.

Overall, your profile should reflect the image of Christ in you. What can people tell about your life from it? Does it say you’re a committed Christ-follower or an overly obsessive Twilight fan? It doesn’t mean you can’t be a fan of things, but if your page says you’re more in love with Edward (girls) or your girlfriend (guys) than Jesus, then that’s a problem.

Here’s the deal:
• Indecency and Facebook shouldn’t be friends. Really, no one wants to see that.
• Alcohol/drugs/partying and Facebook do not mix. And frankly, you shouldn’t be mixing with them either. End of story.
• Vulgarity and filthy language do not make you look cool. Seriously. No exceptions.


Facebook Misuse
Nobody likes a stalker. (This also applies to those of you who like to log in as someone else and hijack his or her profile.)

Just because you know about somebody doesn’t mean you know him or her. If they haven’t given you complete permission to invade their lives, then don’t. Even then, so much information out there is false.

Are you keeping tabs on someone else’s activity? Are you preying to stock up on the latest ­gossip to pick apart and share with your friends? Understand this: tearing someone down in private or publicly defaming someone is miles away from what the Bible tells us to do. (See Colossians 4:6.)


Take a Break
Are you addicted to Facebook? Here’s the test. Answer yes or no to the following:
• I can’t stay away from Facebook for five minutes (except when required).
• I can no longer hold a conversation with a real live person.
• I live to post my next status update.
• I don’t know what’s going on with my friends unless they update their pages.

If you said yes to any of these, you likely need a vacation from Facebook in a bad way. Like everything else in life, it has the potential to become an idol and take over. That number one spot in your heart is reserved for Jesus. 


The one thing we want you to get out of this article:
Start looking at Facebook as a virtual ministry instead of an online gossip column. This is your chance to glorify God in a public setting, live out your faith, and encourage others toward Jesus. “Therefore, God’s chosen ones, holy and loved, put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience” (Colossians 3:12).


If you'd like to see an expanded version of this article by Kaylan Christopher, check out "Facebook: "Like" it or leave it?," ec magazine, February 2010, p. 46-47. 

Image © istockphoto / cristian lazzari.