Much emphasis these days is on "being connected." We have instant access to information, communication, and relationships. Sites like Facebook & Twitter (not to mention old-school email) allow us instant communication with our friends & acquaintances. We can see pictures of these individuals, hear stories of the joys & frustrations of their weekends, and see all the annoying things they "like" or "dislike." And all of this can be done from a cell phone on a freeway!
Honestly, sites like Facebook are pretty cool. A great way to stay in touch, to stay connected. But are we really more connected now? Are we better friends? Are we closer to one another because of Facebook and other instant online communication? I say no, not necessarily...
Let me explain. Facebook is a great tool to enhance friendships. But it is a horrible replacement for face-to-face, voice-to-voice relationships. Facebook can give me information on what friends, family, and acquaintances are up to and how they are enjoying it. But the key is what do I do with this information? Do I encourage? Do I pray? Do I serve?
My main contention with Facebook's monopoly on interpersonal relationships is that you cannot fulfill the biblical "one-anothers" sufficiently via Facebook:
- "Love one another" (John 13:35; 15:12; 7 times in 1/2 John).
- "Outdo one another in showing honor...Live in harmony with one another" (Romans 12).
- "Instruct one another (Romans 15:14).
- "Comfort one another" (2 Cor. 13:11).
- "Serve one another" (Gal. 5:13).
- "Bear one another's burdens" (Galatians 6:2).
- "Be kind to one another" (Eph. 4:32).
- "Encourage one another" (1 Thess. 5:11; Hebrews 3:13; 10:25).
- "Do good to one another" (1 Thess. 5:15).
- "Confess your sins to one another" (James 5:16).
- "Show hospitality to one another" (1 Peter 4:9).
I'm sorry, but I do not think that we can fulfill all these commands through online, virtual interaction.
Once again, use Facebook. But use it, not primarily to pass time or be entertained with the pics, comments, and posts of others (very funny at times). Use the information you gain from Facebook to enhance your relationships, fellowship, friendships, evangelism, and to fulfill the above convicting list of God's commands to one another!
I would write a little more, but I think I have a few notifications that I must checkup on...
Oh, I'm glad you said this. We are sometimes replacing it with the real thing. And I love the "one anothers" list, Ryan. One to an other. Way more personal than clicking on a thumbs-up sign.
ReplyDelete