Using Wisdom Online
Do you ever wonder what is appropriate to post online? I struggle with certain aspects of the online presence and find myself praying for wisdom as I post on this blog. There really is so much junk online, and in truth, we are responsible for our words, even the typed ones.
My “big thoughts” this week about online activity: {sarcasm, incase you didn’t catch that}
#1. Is it really wise to post your deeply held personal convictions for the entire world to see? How about your personal preferences?
Especially sharing on Facebook. It’s like standing up in a crowded stadium and yelling a random 140-character remark, then waiting for the “crowd” to respond. Is there any wonder why the crowd had such mixed reactions?
I know it’s just “sharing ideas”, but who, exactly, is your audience? Are they really listening? Do you really want to be entering into dialogue about the topic with this person. Do you even care what they think? Do you respect their opinion? Will this be profitable or opening up yet another bees nest? I’m thinking that just like you wouldn’t stand up and yell out random beliefs to the crowd at Fenway Park, you really shouldn’t on Facebook either.
I’m not sure that topics that become controversies like staying at home or working, preschool or no, immunizations or not, birth control, clothing choices, family planning or lack thereof, if to homeschool, how to homeschool, public school, big families or small families, breast feeding, natural family planning, blah,blah, blah are really best addressed publicly. I feel like we’re drowning in a sea of meaningless words.
It is wise to be selective who you share with on Facebook.
Did you know that on Facebook you can make lists? It is one of the greatest features ever. You can assign people to certain lists so you don’t get into exposing TMI and so that you can direct certain conversations to certain groups. For instance, I have these lists:
- Closest friends
- Friends
- Family
- Teens
- Acquaintances
- Restricted
When you assign someone to the acquaintance or restricted lists and chose the security setting, “Share with Friends Except Acquaintances”, it does just that. Or you can post to just your closest friends. Also, a “restricted” list makes sure that those people only see public posts. You can also limit how much you see from other people. I block people who use foul language, make sacrilegious jokes, criticize others, whine or brag, or are just plain mean on FB.
#2. Writing about the church, aka. The Visionary Church Writers: There seems to this trend to highlight to faults of the “universal” church under the guise of being visionary. These are the bloggers who, in broad strokes, paint everyone else’s ministry as selfish, lacking compassion, not missionally or globally minded enough. I guess they believe they are the experts on what God wants for YOUR local church, wherever it is. (Darn that foolish pastor and those narrow minded elders and deacons! What do they know? If only they’d listen to these bloggers rather than to God, we’d all be so much better off!)
Friends, the local church is local for a reason. Thank you, Captain Obvious. As my mom would say, “Are there any of your clothes on that line?” In other words, worry about your own church and what you are doing in it. You only answer to God for you. These bloggers do more harm than good by airing what they see as dirty laundry for the unbelieving world to see. What ever happened to presenting the bride of Christ, the church, however flawed, as the hope and pillar and foundation of truth. And, just an afterthought–since Christ died for the church and you are badmouthing it, what do you think God thinks of this? Is there a time and place for purifying the church? Absolutely. My problem is not with the concept of purifying the church, but with the method that is being used.
#3. Oh, be careful little eyes what you read. So this one’s not so much about posting, but what we’re reading online. I love technology, I really do. But there’s just so much junk out there. It really does affect you for good or bad.
How does being online affect your heart? Does FB make you feel discontent? Does FB bring out a critical spirit in you? Are you becoming a busy body and not getting your work done? Does it make you want to have a pity party?
How about Pinterest? Does it make you discontent? If so, limit it.
Blogs? Are they bringing you closer to God or making you falter in your faith. Are you spending time mulling over “foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.”
Study God’s word more than you read online. Don’t replace your time in God’s word with some person’s blog entry. My pastor said a few weeks ago, “If you can get your encouragement from someone else, you’ll have no need for God.” It’s true! Minimize your time online and maximize your time in God’s word. I love that you read here, but don’t do so at the expense of your time in God’s word, or I will not be happy with you! 🙂
Some articles that might be helpful:
“Stop Instagramming your Perfect Life.”
“Does God Care About Your Teen’s Facebook Page?”
Do you struggle with certain aspects of the online world like I do?
Excellent post, Sarah! Makes me thankful for my sisters in Christ that help to keep things in perspective! I’m especially thinking of your “local church” thoughts…very important that we don’t lose sight of those that need us to pray, encourage and support within our own local body…blessings on your day! 😀
There are some good thoughts here, especially regarding the church. I do have some mixed feelings because I think there are abuse issues, for example, that need to be brought to light. However, I am uncomfortable with painting an ENTIRE movement (i.e., fundamentalism) as evil to the core because of it, which frequently happens. You’re absolutely right, I think, about making everyone else’s ministry look selfish…except for some, they don’t have a ministry and may even be on hiatus from church indefinitely because they’ve been hurt; it would probably be interesting to see how much critiquing of church comes from those who don’t even go.
I disagree regarding posting about some other controversial issues, however. I am very passionate about some things regarding healthcare because people are literally dying–and they need more information. I know, yes, they can look it up, but it’s also confusing venturing into the sea of the internet information at large. Often when I find something that speaks specifically to an issue, I will share it. And I have had a couple of people change their views after looking at my posts/ doing some research on their own, because they have told me privately, even though they aren’t as comfortable (it seems) posting views publicly as I am. If it’s not a really serious issue, and if it truly does vary completely case by case (as in being a SAHM), I won’t say too much about it.
I think that first, people have to follow what God has called them to. God hasn’t called everyone else to be as public with what He’s shown them regarding some medical decisions. Others feel more strongly called to post about politics or something else…and some probably feel that God does not want them to post about anything more controversial than baby photos and recipes.
Second, we all have to watch the spirit in which we post. I’ve seen posts essentially ordering people to stop with political posts–and they sounded about as, well, unpleasant as some political posts, to begin with. If I disagree, I should consider whether it’s worth addressing, and, if so, whether it should be done publicly or privately. If I am going to address it, I need to really watch my tone. Sadly, even among Christians, it gets to be a merry-go-round with one person saying “I didn’t _____, so please don’t assume ______” or to “not take it so seriously,” when it would be more appropriate to back off or even apologize for the misunderstanding. With the back-and-forth criticizing of how things are said, it gets to be a circus. It is entirely possible to hold to a position and do so graciously, and correct ill-thought-out comments rather than defend them to the death.
I appreciate your thoughts, Katie! I think you’re right about the spirit in which they address certain things! Does it seem like they are attacking individuals personally or are they addressing problems? We are all passionate about something, but I guess what I’m trying to figure out is when posting about it is productive and when it just becomes divisive. And yes, for sure you can hold a position tightly and graciously as you have done here. 🙂 Thanks you, friend.
Amen!
I really appreciate your probing questions and think this blog post is so timely! I also feel the same way re: visionary church bloggers and wondered what kind of impact they have. Being idle and succumbing to negative thoughts are the biggest issues for me with online time and Facebook. I’m taking a break from it for a bit 🙂 Thanks for sharing the truth!
Kim
You didn’t mention games, but these too, can be very time-consuming and replace time with God, family, responsibilities, etc. for far too many people. I like to play some games, but really set limits because it is far too easy to while away precious moments. Enjoyed reading…
Yes, very true. I don’t even think about online games because I never play them. You are right, though. It can gobble up your time before you know it! Thank you!