Have you ever cringed when you read something on Facebook? Have you ever felt embarrassed for someone based on what they posted (think workout selfies…what they had for breakfast…a political rant)?
The most dangerous phrase on Facebook is written in the status bar: “What’s on your mind?”
Our mommas taught us not to share everything that was on our mind, but Facebook has encouraged us to throw caution to the wind and share whatever we want.
This filter-free flow of thought is changing social dynamics for the worse. Sometimes I wish FB had a box you were required to check before you posted that said something like… “I certify this post is kind, considerate, thoughtful, and courteous.” I’ve always viewed social media as a way of connecting, but the way some use it is doing more dividing than connecting.
More than anything Facebook has become a way to update the world on the status of our heart.
Unfortunately the way some Christians use Facebook turns off many people who don’t know Jesus. So these rules for FB aren’t so much for every user of FB, but for those who follow Christ. Maybe “rules” isn’t the best word, “principles” might be a better word, but I think you get the idea.
So, is it really our right to say whatever is on our mind? Maybe the better question is, “Is it the most productive thing, based on our end goals, to share what is on our mind?” Based on your hopes and dreams, is it the best thing to share all of your beliefs and convictions on FB? Is Facebook really the best platform to take a stand? Or is it more hurtful to your end goals to leverage Facebook as a platform for sensitive issues?
The way I filter everything in my life is: “Will this hurt the primary mission of Jesus or will it help it?”
Here is the first rule of Facebook: Rule #1 Thou shalt only post things that will help Jesus’ mission.
Your posts don’t have to be only about Jesus, just not hurt his message. There are lots of morally neutral things you can share…like baseball for example…unless you post about the Red Sox which is certainly a sin. (Just kidding!)
Think about it…How many hot button issues have you changed your mind on because of a Facebook post? How many times have you switched political parties because of a FB post? But I would bet you have unfriended someone because of their posts or at least unfollowed them. Maybe you didn’t unfriend them but you certainly thought less of them. What if you are having that same annoying, repulsive effect on others through what you post?
Do you want to stand before Jesus and hear him say, “Your friend Joe would be in heaven today if you cared more about me and my message than your political party’s message.” Do you really want to hear that? It is too easy to undo all the good you worked for in your life by answering the simple question… “What’s on your mind?”
Let me frame if for you this way…Would you feel different about me if you saw a post that said, “12 more inches of snow…WTF!?!” or “If you voted for our President you obviously hate America.”? Sure it would. Would it change the way you feel about our church?…good chance. Why? Because you see the two connected. You don’t think…that’s Roscoe’s news feed and it has nothing to at all to do with his faith. The same is true for you…people see you connected to your church and to Jesus.
Is it possible that what you are posting is changing people’s perspective about Jesus and your church? Causing people to think…I see you inviting me to your church on FB…and it’s this great loving place…but I also see you posting all this other stuff about the terrible service you received at that restaurant…how God is angry with America…so I’m not feeling a lot of that love you are inviting me to experience.
Instantly people associate you with Jesus and your church…oh that church is obviously for people who vote __________. Oh that church is for people who hate ___________. See I knew those Christians were full of hate.
It is very easy to give up credibility unnecessarily by making an unwise FB post.
So before you post ask yourself…Will this make people think more or less of Jesus?
I’ve got some homework for you. I want you to go back and review your statuses for the last 6 months and ask yourself that very question.
New Rules of Facebook #2
New Rules of Facebook #3
New Rules of Facebook #4
New Rules of Facebook #5
