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Response
Hundreds of millions of individuals are gravitating towards social networking platforms such as Facebook and Twitter to engage in the interactive aspects of the Internet. Are these platforms the next significant area for outreach or simply a massive waste of time? Should a Christian engage in social networking? The response to these inquiries should be based on whether we can sincerely seek God’s blessings and utilize our actions for His divine purposes. “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” «Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. », (1 Corinthians 10:31). If we are willing to allow God to use our engagement for His glory, we are free to participate.
Christians who opt to engage in social networking should be mindful of the negative aspects associated with it. It is crucial to acknowledge that not everyone online has pure intentions, and therefore, we should implement safety measures, make use of privacy settings, and carefully choose who we accept as a “friend” or “follower.” Parents should actively engage with their children and be involved in monitoring their children’s use of social media platforms. Furthermore, Christians should recognize the risks of narcissism (excessive self-love and self-centeredness) that are prevalent in self-focused platforms. Research indicates that excessive use or improper motivations in social media engagement can foster narcissistic tendencies. When our primary focus on social media is self-promotion or seeking attention, it is advisable to step back. It is prudent to have accountability measures in place, involving a 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, photos, 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 in face-to-face evangelism, we can establish credibility and authenticity in the see.ker’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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