Keep the Peace

[AnnaBanana]

It's me again, back with another question .

Alright so, this is something that I have been considering for quite a while deleting forms of social media- just never went through with it. I'm not sure why I have been getting such a strong conviction towards it- but I am.

The internet and social media. Now, to be honest, I barely find time to go on it (Facebook, Twitter, etc) but when I do, I notice that I am constantly seeing selfies (nothing against it) or debates about the Lord that only reveal people are trying to be "right". I don't know man, I just feel like I either 1)don't need it anymore in my life or 2) Doing it wrong.

I understand that these type of platforms CAN be used for good. Which is why I'm questioning if I'm doing something wrong. I do occasionally post some Bible verses or sermons that I want to share with others, but other than that, I try and keep quiet and lay low on there.

Here are my questions: Do you use it and if so, how do you maintain and keep the peace on there?

OR:

Why don't you choose to have anything to do with social media?


Thanks Yall!

 

[malcolmmaxwell60]

Hello and good morning sis. I mostly use Facebook, and like yourself, I've been frustrated many times. I am trying to have a berean spirit and basically share things which the Lord has led me by his word and spirit, but sometimes the brethren let's their feelings and emotions get away from what the word of God teaches. So I just leave it in God's hands and say LOVE AND RESPECT

Sent from my SM-G530T using Tapatalk

 

[AnnaBanana]

So if someone- say a friend on my facebook account- is misusing the Word of God- should I call them out? Or do I just let it go knowing that if I do call them out on it- it has the potential to create a even bigger disaster.


Also, I've seen a woman post a photo in her bikini, with a bible verse under it. This may be based on my own conviction but, I find that these images creates lust for someone rather than seeing this picture and reading the Bible verse.

 

[RamistThomist]

So if someone- say a friend on my facebook account- is misusing the Word of God- should I call them out? Or do I just let it go knowing that if I do call them out on it- it has the potential to create a even bigger disaster.


Also, I've seen a woman post a photo in her bikini, with a bible verse under it. This may be based on my own conviction but, I find that these images creates lust for someone rather than seeing this picture and reading the Bible verse.

We are called to be stewards of our time, among other things. 9/10 calling somebody out won't change anything, especially with regard to Facebook theology debates.

I have convinced people but it took several months on sites that have less traffic (a blog).

As to the bikini, I would PM her privately, if you think it will make a difference.

 

[Douglas P.]

My wife and I both left facebook about three years ago, and it's been the best decision we've ever made.

As more and more studies are showing, social media platforms are breeding grounds for depression, and are having a major consequence on society (https://www.theatlantic.com/magazin...the-smartphone-destroyed-a-generation/534198/). For the first time in human history, suicide is starting to outpace homicide, much of which seems attributable to social media.

In fact, the most meaningful conversations I have had over the past 3 years, far more meaningful than anything I ever had FB, are when I talk face to face with people about why we chose to leave facebook.

 

[py3ak]

You are certainly under no obligation to have or use social media in any way, shape, or form. And even if you do, it's not your calling to contradict and correct everyone. But avoiding those dilemmas is another excellent reason for avoiding the whole scene.

 

[Jack K]

Well, everyone here uses social media, since a message board like this one is social media. So the question of how we behave on social media is at least as important as where to participate.

I am on Twitter because I've had a few writings published and Twitter is a good contact point with readers. I am on Facebook because it helps me keep up with friends and be aware of events in their lives. On both of these services, I avoid arguments. I don't think Facebook or Twitter arguments are very helpful, and they aren't what I'm there for, so I usually just ignore misguided posts. I wish Facebook would return to being mostly about what my friends are doing and less about what opinions they wish to spout.

This board is somewhat different. It's closely moderated to keep disagreements from getting out of hand, plus I figure we are all here to learn and therefore have invited some friendly debate, so I will sometimes argue a point or note a concern. I try hard to be constructive and avoid gossip, but I have failed several times.

Sadly, I am more likely to encounter inter-church gossip (defined as criticizing a fellow believer who's not part of the conversation) on this board than on my Facebook or Twitter feeds. That's partly due to the nature of the topics here, I know, but it still means this board may be the most questionable of my social media habits. I'm not ready to give it up, though!

 

[AnnaBanana]

Gosh! You all and the replies are so good. I have to say I am again, grateful for finding this board (hey, thanks social media!) Haha.

 

[Ryan&Amber2013]

Just to add, I think maturity plays a huge factor. For less mature people, Facebook may be a spiritual hindrance in many ways. If used correctly in a wise and mature way, it could be beneficial for someone. I personally do not have a Facebook and have no regrets about it. For me, it would hinder my sanctification in numerous ways.

 

[JTB.SDG]

Sadly, I am more likely to encounter inter-church gossip (defined as criticizing a fellow believer who's not part of the conversation) on this board than on my Facebook or Twitter feeds. That's partly due to the nature of the topics here, I know, but it still means this board may be the most questionable of my social media habits. I'm not ready to give it up, though!

Thanks for the reminder Jack, appreciate you.

 

[AnnaBanana]

My wife and I both left facebook about three years ago, and it's been the best decision we've ever made.

As more and more studies are showing, social media platforms are breeding grounds for depression, and are having a major consequence on society (https://www.theatlantic.com/magazin...the-smartphone-destroyed-a-generation/534198/). For the first time in human history, suicide is starting to outpace homicide, much of which seems attributable to social media.

In fact, the most meaningful conversations I have had over the past 3 years, far more meaningful than anything I ever had FB, are when I talk face to face with people about why we chose to leave facebook.

Just to add, I think maturity plays a huge factor. For less mature people, Facebook may be a spiritual hindrance in many ways. If used correctly in a wise and mature way, it could be beneficial for someone. I personally do not have a Facebook and have no regrets about it. For me, it would hinder my sanctification in numerous ways.

Hope you both don't mind me asking this:

Douglas: What were your reasons for leaving Douglas?

Ryan or Amber, what ways would hinder?

This is a side note but I have seen mature Christians (or maybe they aren't?) in full out brawls on there about something that could be solved peacefully and respectfully.

 

[Ryan&Amber2013]

Hope you both don't mind me asking this:

Douglas: What were your reasons for leaving Douglas?

Ryan or Amber, what ways would hinder?

This is a side note but I have seen mature Christians (or maybe they aren't?) in full out brawls on there about something that could be solved peacefully and respectfully.

To name a few, I would say that I would be too tempted to waste precious time in life, I may be tempted to covet others, I may use it in prideful ways, and with the heat of arguments on there, I may not always say things as wisely as I should.

 

[Ryan&Amber2013]

Overall, I believe there are many vanities associated with social media which can be snares for many people. For me I think I would be spiritually hindered by Facebook. Each person must weigh that out.

 

[AnnaBanana]

Thanks for above response.

It is actually quite scary how much technology has taken over the world, not necessiarly a bad thing if used correctly but - even here at work -I work at the Library- you hardly ever see a younger person coming in to check out books. Now we have kindles, amazon fires, online pdf books, etc..

I personally love the feeling of a book in my hand and, don't judge, smelling the pages of new or old book.


I have had numerous conversations at work with some older generation folks who almost feel lost in this world. It's actually one of my favorite conversations to have.

With Facebook, I guess I've seen how it has become a god over some life's. You know? Wake up in the morning, check facebook. Go in the shower- come out get to the breakfast table- check Facebook. Drive/walk to work- check facebook. Post a picture of your lunch- eat your lunch while checking facebook. Come home - take a few minutes to rest while you check Facebook. Make dinner- check facebook while it cooks on the stove. Lay in bed- check facebook while you fall asleep.

Ahhhhhh. I mean, when I explain it this way, I wonder why I ever even made one. I remember back when I was about 15-16? We had the start of AOL- I had zip interest. Then, when I got into college I find that
was when it really picked up.

 

[ValleyofVision]

Here is something I read online that reminded me of this post

"Are you lying? That is, is the you you present on Facebook the real you? This technology has an insidious capacity to both hide reality and fool us into thinking we are both showing and seeing it. Why are our updates all about our victories- I just made cookies for the family; My son just hit the game winning home run; rather than our failures- I just shouted at my little girl; I left my computer on the airplane and it’s gone? Keep a particularly close eye on this one. And tenth, is Facebook encouraging contentment or resentment? Are you coveting your neighbor’s friend count? Are you jealous of how many “likes” there are for his posts compared to yours? And are you content with the real life you are shutting out while hunched over your keyboard?"

 

[LilyG]

Thanks for above response.

It is actually quite scary how much technology has taken over the world, not necessiarly a bad thing if used correctly but - even here at work -I work at the Library- you hardly ever see a younger person coming in to check out books. Now we have kindles, amazon fires, online pdf books, etc..

I personally love the feeling of a book in my hand and, don't judge, smelling the pages of new or old book.


I have had numerous conversations at work with some older generation folks who almost feel lost in this world. It's actually one of my favorite conversations to have.

With Facebook, I guess I've seen how it has become a god over some life's. You know? Wake up in the morning, check facebook. Go in the shower- come out get to the breakfast table- check Facebook. Drive/walk to work- check facebook. Post a picture of your lunch- eat your lunch while checking facebook. Come home - take a few minutes to rest while you check Facebook. Make dinner- check facebook while it cooks on the stove. Lay in bed- check facebook while you fall asleep.

Ahhhhhh. I mean, when I explain it this way, I wonder why I ever even made one. I remember back when I was about 15-16? We had the start of AOL- I had zip interest. Then, when I got into college I find that
was when it really picked up.

You said what I was going to say! Those tiny snippets of time not only add up at the end of the day, I can also see how, at least for me personally, I'm tempted now to scroll through anything on screen in haste and avoid deep thinking. Heh, I deactivated my account last year for a season -I got SO much reading done. From actual books (lol). I think I read more in that period of time than I have in my entire life.

 

[Free Christian]

Those you see arguing back and forward, back and forward, are generally showing their spiritual immaturity. You cannot argue truth into a person as you cannot argue error out of them. Speak the truth, then leave it to God.

 

[Ben Zartman]

Facebook is useful to us as a way for our families to see what we're up to without our having to email them personally. So, we upload some pictures and everyone who cares to sees them. But we load pictures only infrequently, and stay out of divisive discussions, for the most part. I don't have it on my phone, so can only check a couple times a day. But it's useful, if used with the Glory of God in mind.
Oh, and I hide and unfriend inappropriate stuff all the time--eventually the tide of it subsides.

 

[OPC'n]

I had the same question a few months ago. Here's what I have learned. If something doesn't come against God's law, then there's nothing wrong with it. How you use it could be what is catching you up. Are you on social media longer than you are in God's word/prayer, or at doing your earthly duties, or being with God's people or your own family? Balance in all things is what I find is important. Throwing everything away for righteousness' sake won't lead you anywhere for that's just self righteousness. I find when I spend more time in God's word and things related to his word, prayer etc the more I want to read these things and spend less time on social media. I tried at first to just give up social media and found myself watching too many movies. I didn't have a plan first on how to fill up my extra time. I've now realized throwing out non-essential things in order to be righteous is futile. There's nothing righteous within myself. But running to the things of God makes you want to be in the things of God and maybe spend a short time on social media. Hope that helps.