Social Networking and the Christian

I was recently listening to a preacher go off on Facebook, Myspace ect...I actually found myself in some respects agreeing with him on some of the issues he was bringing up. The problem I encountered was: There was no scripture used which disqualifies it as preaching and makes it motivational speaking at best. The second thing that I noticed was an extreme position instead of a balanced one. The third thing that cracked me up hit me yesterday as I was lurking around twitter for a bit, I came across many of his staff and church on the site. Now to me, that is funny. We wonder why we lose so many teenagers, college students ect... Well let me just tell you from experience, that, when we overstate issues, get on emotional rants, then publicly engage in a similar act to what we were screaming about...Teenagers and college students (who don't just parrot everything they hear and can actually think for themselves) do not buy into it (i realize some do and always will)!!! I am thankful that I have a Pastor who preaches the WORD, teaches the WORD, focus's on the Word. When the Bible speaks he speaks, where the Bible is silent he is silent. Thank the Lord for a Pastor that is not a dictatorial control freak, but a loving shepherd pointing people away from himself, his opinions, but to the FATHER.

Here is a great approach to social networking and the Christian (or any area of life):

1. Does it Glorify God? 1 Corinthians 10:31
2. Could Christ be a partner? Matthew 28:20
3. Does it Grieve the Holy Spirit? Ephesians 4:30
4. Will it cause stumbling? Romans 14:13
5. Does it appear evil? 1 Thessalonians 5:22
6. Have I asked God for wisdom? James 1:5 and about 50 other verses in Proverbs

These are questions we should ask ourselves, our kids, and our ministries and evaluate the decision being made by them. I believe if we do that the in all areas of life we will find ourselves living more abundant lives and living in favor of the spirit rather than the flesh.

I do right not because some man rants and raves about it (Gal. 1:10). I do right because I want to please the Lord (His love constrains us). When I please HIM everyone who needs to be pleased is. There is also a GREAT article on this subject found at http://www.paulchappell.com/