sites like Facebook and Twitter to participate in the relational
components of the Internet. Are these networks the next big mission
field or an enormous waste of time? Should a Christian participate in
social networking? The answer to these questions should be determined
by whether we can honestly ask God to bless and use our actions for
His own good purposes. "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you
do, do it all for the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31). If we are
willing to let God use our participation for His glory, we have
freedom to participate.
Christians who choose to participate in social networking should be
aware of the negative aspects of social networking. It should be
remembered that not everyone on the Internet has pure motives, and we
should use safety precautions, utilize the privacy settings, and be
selective as to who is accepted as a "friend" or "fan." Parents should
regularly interact with their children and be active participants in
their child's use of social networking sites. In addition, Christians
should be aware of the danger of the narcissism (excessive self-love
and preoccupation with self) inherent in self-oriented sites. Studies
have shown that overuse or wrong motives in social media participation
can breed narcissism. When we rely on social media sites primarily to
promote ourselves or draw attention to ourselves, it is time to take a
step back. It's wise to utilize accountability, encouraging spouse,
family members, and Christian brothers and sisters to view our social
networking activity and hold us accountable. Proverbs 27:17 says,
"Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens his friend's countenance."
It's also important to understand the impact our status, photo,
comments, or blog posts may have in the future. It should be
remembered that social networking sites involve publishing to the
entire Internet, including family members, current and future
employers, college admissions personnel, etc. The ramifications of any
statements, both now and in the future, should be considered. It
should be assumed that everything written is permanent and viewable by
everyone. Furthermore, while maintaining relationships is important
and healthy, addiction is not. Limiting the amount of time we devote
to these social networking sites is both healthy and wise.
On the other hand, there are definitely positive aspects of social
networking. For the Christian, social media sites can be an enormously
productive mission field. Reconnecting with old friends and increasing
our sphere of influence can lead to evangelistic opportunities
unavailable elsewhere. Social media allows us to reenter the daily
lives of people we may have lost contact with and open up new avenues
for sharing Christ. As such, we can influence the views of others by
what we post, bringing encouragement and spiritual guidance to others
and using friends lists or Facebook status updates to pray regularly
for friends and their needs. "Let us consider how we may spur one
another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting
together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one
another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching" (Hebrews
10:24-25).
Finally, social networking sites can engage spiritual seekers on the
Internet, meeting those seekers where they are. Just like face-to-face
evangelism, we can establish credibility and authenticity in the
seeker's natural and comfortable environment, and then build on that
foundation and share the love of Christ with new online friends.
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