God and the Internet

Texting, Facebook, Twitter, Tumble... It's been a constant question on my mind. Is it wrong to take part in any or all of these 'social' sites? What about the Internet in general? 

The internet opens up a whole array a new opportunities, but there is also much bad mixed in with the good. Everyone is entitled to their own personal convictions about the internet but can I still be a 'good'  Christian and be a part of the social world online?

It might help to look at this question under a new perspective. 
1 Corinthians 10:13 Says 

" Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." 

This verse is pretty straight forward. We are to glorify God in everything we do, including what we do on the internet and social media. Our choices as Christians must reflect God in everything we do. 

We can't profess to be Christians while living our personal life for God and being someone completely different online.We don't get to pick and choose the things we want to glorify God in and the things we want to do for ourselves.  

With this mindset then, is it wrong to have Facebook, or twitter or any other one of these social media accounts found on the internet? 

In my opinion many of these social media sites aren't sites Christians should blacklist and avoid at all cost. It's a blessing to stay in touch with friends and relatives using these sites. I have relatives who live far away and by posting pictures on Facebook I'm able to share and update them on my family's life. But sometimes I get distracted and waste many hours scrolling through my Facebook news feed.

It is amazing how we can keep in touch with people and meet people from all over the world simply by sitting cozily on our coach with our laptop propped up on our 'lap'. But always remember that the internet is a tool.  It can be used properly to create and encourage, or you can use that same tool in the wrong way to destroy and hurt. 

So to answer my question - social media isn't bad, it is simply a tool for us to use.  I know that with God's help you can use the internet to be a light and share your faith when the opportunity arises.

Here are some general tips and personal pet peeves of mine about the internet:

• Set a Time Limit – Time is precious. I don't know about you but whenever I spend hour after hour on social media sites I feel like I've made no progress. Two, three, sometimes even four hours of my day can be wasted sitting on the couch scrolling through meaningless news-feeds. But when I purpose to do something productive with my time like practicing piano, sewing, or reading, I feel so much more pleased with my choices of how I spent my day. We must not forget to make time for God. Put the things you desire to get done as priority before you sit down to spend time online.

• Don't Let it Get in the Way of Your Personal Relationships - Your life and relationships online are in no way more important to you than your relationships in person. When you are in the presence of others put your device down! Unplug. Let your online friends know that you are busy at the moment and give your friend who is standing next to you your full attention. No one likes to have to wait while you pause the conversation to catch up on posts or reply to another friend's text. You are sending a message to your friend that you are not interested in him/her and your friends online are more important. So put your device down and don't pick it back up again until you are alone.

• Take a Break From it Every Once in a While - It's good to take a break from something every once in while. Especially if you get the feeling that it is taking control of your life. Try to go internet-free for the entire day or if you're brave enough, the entire week. This is a form of fasting. Use the time that you would normally be on the internet and spend it in God's word and in prayer. Then when your fast is over you will come back to your internet life with a renewed perspective.

• Make a List of What needs to be done – I find that when I get online I have a bunch of different things I want to do, but then I get distracted. Making a written list of the things I need to do online before I turn on my computer has really helped me. Place the list where you can see and check off each item as you go. Having a list keeps you focused on the task at hand and you are less likely to get distracted.  The less distracted you are the quicker you will be done. Then you can spend more time doing something productive with your time.

Lastly I would like to share a few simple ways you can easily point others to God by using the internet. Most sights have a description panel. I love to put a Bible verse in that panel. You can also post Bible verses on Facebook or a put a Bible verse in the description box of your Instagram post.  Never post anything that is inappropriate, or even questionable. It is better to be safe then sorry. Don't be preachy or try to force your views on others but on the other hand don't be the opposite and never post or say anything about your faith.

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." Philippians 4:8

Always remember, whatever you do, do it for the glory of God. He will richly bless you when you make the choice to honor Him with your life on the internet.  

A few of the social media sites I enjoy are Facebook, texting/emails, and my favorite is Instagram.  What are some of your favorite social media sites and how have you found a way to glorify God in how you use them?