Quoting Rob McKee:
250 Million people currently use Facebook. It is a phenomenal tool for communication that has surfaced (along with twitter) as one of the leading information and connection sources in North America. This communication tool shows no signs of slowing down. It’s potential for good is matched by it’s frequent and frustrating use for evil. Pastors are struggling with this new technology and it’s ability to create conflict within the congregation. In the past year I’ve heard many pastors say “facebook and twitter are of the devil”.
Pastors frequently hear things like:
“They un-friended me”
“Did you read what they said about me”
“They shouldn’t talk like”
and the most common “That post wasn’t about them...it was something different (harmless)...I can’t believe they read into that post...etc.”
Before posting, Remember, this is a public forum. Think of yourself standing up before in a group of several hundred people, or however large your friends list is with a microphone making your status announcement. This is essentially what you are doing. Don’t look for this problem to disappear anytime soon. Both Facebook and twitter use is up 82% Since this same time last month. The average American Facebook user spends up to 6 hours exclusively posting and surfing statuses on Facebook. As Christians we must develop practices that keep this free-flowing. Here's some things that I feel could help this tool be a blessing, not a curse.
The 12 Christian Laws of Facebook Conduct
1. Never Post Negatively - People will almost always assume you were talking about them (especially if you are upset with them at the time of posting). If they haven’t had interaction with you recently, do you really want everyone to know how bad your life is? Show everyone your positive side...they’ve got their own issues without borrowing yours. People will also “fill-in-the-blanks” on “who you are mad at” or “who is a jerk” etc.
2. Be quick to delete - If someone uses bad language or argues, delete them. If a post on your page “could be” misread delete it. If you thought it, someone else probably did too. If someone is offended because their post was deleted, explain that you are connected with a lot of people and you don’t want them to be perceived as negative. Explain your sensitive delete key. If they harass you about it, delete them.
3. If you can’t handle it, GET OFF. - Be honest with yourself and Set time limits - stop obsessing. If your day was going great before you signed onto Facebook it should be great when you sign off. Know yourself and be strong enough to limit yourself.
4. Use Facebook as a tool to encourage and build faith - Take a few minutes everyday and post something kind on a deserving person’s wall. Be that person that lifts others.
5. Be careful who you befriend - Never befriend someone who is dangerous to your marriage or walk with God. If someone is rebellious towards spiritual authority, the Bible commands us to leave them alone as they are appointed unto wrath.
6. If someone questions you about a post, remove it. - There’s at least 10 other people that thought the same thing but didn’t mention it. Guard your reputation. No one should celebrate being a murmurer, gossiper or slanderer. The Bible calls each of these practices “sin”.
7. Never use Facebook to send a “Woe Is Me” message. - It’s okay to post needs or better yet, contact someone directly. A child of God is NEVER hopeless, helpless or a failure in life. To say otherwise is to claim God isn’t able to work everything for our good. We are told to even rejoice when others speak evil against us.
8. Know your spouse’s sign on info. - Never keep secrets. Marriages are destroyed when private worlds are created and the person you are supposed to be “one” with has no access to.
9. Do not assume a negative post is about you. - It may be, but never assume and let it ruin your day without confirmation. Contact the person quickly and ask, “Was this about me” They might not realize how their post appears. If someone contacts you and asks that question, delete or explain your comment.
10. Sharing too much information is bad - Be careful little mouth what you say. Protect your marriage/family bubble. Hackers are looking for your credit cards right now.
11. Watch your language (including spell-check) - While it has created some funny moments, spell check can have the vocabulary of a “pagan sailor”. Read what you post, after you "post it" to save yourself some embarrassing comments. If you do make a major blunder, delete the whole comment (don’t brag about it).
12. Avoid Debate - Someone is always watching. While they may be entertained the subject matter will define who you are. Few people are debated into a change of mind. Keep conversation lite.
Finally we should heed the words of
1 Peter 1:13-16
“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation. Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”
Let’s use wisdom and be a reflection of Jesus Christ in our digital conversation.
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