Okay, here I go. I am officially beginning to do something that I never thought I would do. This is officially my first blog post. I do not know if anyone actually cares very much about what I have to say or not. If not, that is okay, I have decided to start this process in an effort to help me summarize my thoughts and my ideas into something that I hope I can use to be a help to myself in the future (as I can refer to a bit of history) and I hope that I can perhaps, one day, be a help to someone else’s future as they read. Who knows? Someone might just see a way of NOT to do something! So, I am taking the plunge and I hope this post explains why.
About six months ago I began a Face Book account. Thus my addiction to internet social networking began. I was amazed at the friends of mine that existed in the cyber space world. I established some new friendships and built some bridges to some old ones. It has been a wonderful experience. In addition to this, I have seen the benefits of the internet “social networking” experience not only in the personal realm, but also in ministry.
For several years, I must be honest, I didn’t get it. Why in the world would someone want to post pictures of themselves, post comments, and tell everyone when they were going to the bathroom? Is there a point to all this nonsense? Is it about ego? Why would I want to do something so worthless? I mean, is there really a point to all this social networking? Is it really worth all the trouble?.
So, here are some reasons as to why I am involved in this “worthless” endeavor:
First of all, obviously, I do not see it as a “worthless” endeavor as I once did – it serves a wonderful purpose of connecting me to others and them to me. And come to find out, it is really no trouble at all and is not a huge waster of time (that is, unless you get hooked on all those Face Book games!). Just a few short weeks after I started my Face Book account, I was amazed at the personal connection that I felt to others, and many of them are people that I would not have otherwise been in contact. It seemed to me that apparently this “social networking” was not near as shallow as it once appeared.
Secondly, I have engaged in this “worthless” venture because I believe it is necessary for us (adults and leaders) to learn technology with the sole purpose of being an influence throughout the “social networking” society. What is that scripture states? Matthew chapter five teaches us that we are to be the “light of the world.” This means that I must take my light to as many as I have the opportunity to influence. So, obviously, I must share my testimony and my faith with others around me such as my neighbors and co-workers and friends and family; however, I am doing a great disservice to the Christ when I ignore one of the greatest avenues to reach out to others – and just think, I can do all of this right from my laptop!
As a former youth pastor, I know the effects that internet can have on the mind. I have seen some devastating results of various types of internet addictions. It seems as if every time I turned around that a teenager was being sucked into this World Wide Web by way of Instant Messenger, My Space, Face Book, web cams, etc. Are these things inherently evil? I submit to you that these tools are no more evil than the car you drive or the television that you own. Can they be used for evil? Of course they can; however, these tools can be used as a mighty vehicle for good as well. No longer can we just pretend that this world does not exist and that these “tools” are not apart of society. For far too long, spiritual leaders (especially those in my particular background) have feared technology, made rules against said technology, and then pretend like it is not there. Well, it is there, and it’s not going anywhere! We need for our leaders, pastors and teachers to learn how to use this technology in a way that honors Christ, teaches others, influences others, and in a way that is appropriate.
Thirdly, I have found that this “social networking” is not a worthless undertaking because it has helped to make me more efficient with my time. Every time I am about to type something on my “status,” I ask myself: “Is this the most efficient use of my time?” It has challenged me to make the most of every moment. Is what I am doing even worth sharing? Am I accomplishing God’s purpose for my life in this moment? In Ephesians chapter five, Paul teaches us that we should be “redeeming the time because the days are evil.” Many times I have found myself scratching something off of my “to-do” list because upon thinking about it, I found it to be an effective use of my time or a waste of time altogether!
In addition to these three main reasons for “social networking,” I have found it to be a tremendous tool of prayer, support, encouragement, and instruction. It is also a lot of fun! (I mean, there is a reason that millions of people are addicted – IT’S FUN!) Moreover, I have found it to be a great way to stay connected with friends and family. It is extremely nice in the middle of the day to keep track of certain people, and through this process I feel much more connected and a part of their life, even at a distance.
As I conclude, let me throw a caveat at the end of this discussion, these networking blogs and posts and such can be a tremendous asset and a lot of fun; however, (you would think that this would go without saying) these things should not be the main focus of your life. If our entire lives are centered on a computer and we live in a cyber space reality, we are delusional at best. Everything in life must come in moderation. Ecclesiastes chapter three teaches us of the importance of balance – “To everything there is a season.” These things should be secondary, and at the end of the day nonessential when it comes to your relationship with Christ, your spouse, your children, and your job (in that order). It is simply a tool that we can use to be a better influence, encouragement, to teach and to learn alike. May you use these tools to spread your influence, learn, teach and be a testimony in a world that desperately needs the Lord Jesus Christ.
So, those are just some of main reasons why I have started the “social networking” scene and why I think it is important for us all to do so. Thanks for reading! Please feel free to comment and share your thoughts.
