Facebook©: Is It An Issue?
By Debbie Perry
Director of Pastoral Care Ministries
Our society currently enjoys a fast-paced, high-technological environment. Who does not have an email address, blog spot, website, Facebook©, Twitter©, iTunes©, iPhone© or other similar electronic devices or modes of communication? We have become so accustomed to them that we often neglect having face-to-face conversation and relationships with one another. And the relationships we have are suddenly jeopardized by a quickly-written, poorly thought out email that is misinterpreted for motive.
In recent times, there has become a concern that is affecting our marriages and families – namely the Facebook©. There is an increasing concern about Facebook© and the ability it affords in rekindling of old, often forgotten about, relationships. Therefore, the subject should be addressed. Is Facebook© an issue? Are we reconnecting in search of an adventure, an honest friendship through the Wi-Fi network to people only to rediscover a romance or fantasy life in our future?
Facebook© and other internet communication networks are providing an inexpensive way for friends who live at a distance to keep in contact with one another. However, if good boundaries are not in place, one can easily get caught in a web of deceit and relationship that can be harmful. It is a known fact that many people have already been deceived through relationship websites by those who have a second fantasy life, waiting for an innocent person to take the bait. On at least one occasion, and probably more common than we are aware, a report of one young man traveled to another city to meet someone he had been writing to he thought to be a young woman he met in a chat room on Internet, interested in meeting him. When the relationship was formed, the young man agreed to meet the woman in person, only to be met by a man, who had presented himself a woman in the chat room, and he killed the young man in cold blood. This same thing can happen to YOU.
Facebook© and other communication networks can be a good thing if used properly.
• Decide at the onset how you plan to use the network.
• If you are a married person, give your mate full access to your account and site.
• Have your mate as one of your “friends” on your site so that they see the notes that you see.
• Choose carefully the language in your notes to friends.
• Choose carefully your friends. It is best to communicate with friends of your gender.
• If you are married, choose carefully male friends and how much you communicate with them. Respect your mate.
• Be careful to respect your male friends, especially if they, too, are married.
The bottom line is INTEGRITY. Webster’s Dictionary defines the word Integrity (noun), “adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty.” Let your integrity show in the way that you use your Facebook© or other communication site. If you are married, you should never have a need for a social networking site as E-Harmony©. You are inviting trouble.
The Bible provides our help in anchoring one’s integrity. Some helpful scriptures are listed below:
“As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written, “Be holy, because I am holy.” 1 Peter 14-16
“Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.” 1 Peter 2:11
“So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.” Gal. 5:16
“Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.” 1 Corinthians 7:1
“Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature. Romans 13:13-14
“Be very careful to keep the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the Lord gave you; to love the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to obey his commands, to hold fast to him and to serve him with all your heart and all your soul.” Joshua 22:5
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Romans 12:9-10
“Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” 1 Corinthians 15:33
We get one opportunity to make a difference in this life. Be the one who chooses to make the best use of electronic devices and Internet information and Facebook© to communicate and learn effectively and honestly. Warn those you love about using Internet cautiously. Be the one who lives a life of integrity in all ways.