Twitter and Social Networking: Is it worth it?

[_aaron]

Greetings,

Thanks for reading. I'm 19, I've always been against social networks altogether. (For various reasons: drama, conformity.) But since being out of high school (2 years now) I'm so distant from my friends and always lonely. I don't hang out with many people -- and no one consistently. I feel the lack of Facebook and Twitter in my life is maybe a small reason for this?

My friend has recently began to try to convince me to make a Twitter -- should I do it? (It's easy just to say yes, but does a Christian need it?)

What does God have to say about this?

As a Christian, what are your thoughts on cyber social networks?

Please help.

All the best and God bless!

- Aaron

 

[Acebopata]

I'm in a similar situation as you are in, to be honest. And to be honest, I've tried both Twitter and Facebook, and let me tell you, it's nothing special. Yes, you could use it to keep in touch with your friends, but an online communication often lacks the substance an in person relationship has. In addition there's been some increases in hostility in christian users of both sites, and you would have to be very careful what you post, as it could be used against you. There is also rumors that the C.I.A and the Government are using Facebook as a intelligence collection tool, but I can not confirm if that is so and if their reasons for doing so, if they are doing that, are in justifiable. Personally, I don't think the risk is worth trying it, but that's just me. If you do decide to use one of the sites, take it very slow and be very careful.

Now as for what God would say about this? He'd probably be ok with it as long as you where very careful, made sure you didn't make either site an idol in your life, and keep God in first place. You might be able to bring someone to the Lord through these sites. However there are also those who would fake a conversion just for the fun of it, I've actually seen it happen once.

 

[_aaron]

Acebopata,

Thank you for your input. All valid points.

 

[dannibear]

This is something I like to post in response to questions about social media. I have a Facebook, but I only keep people on my friends list that I actually speak to often, and I don't let it take too much time away from me. I have never had a twitter. I found that one social media website was enough for me. Let me share this with you:

The 10 Commandments were given to us thousands of years ago. Sure there was no Facebook or Twitter back then, but the principles still apply today. Here’s my take on how the 10 commandments apply to social networking.

1) Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

Don’t allow social networking to become a god. Are you losing hours at a time to Farmville? Do you interrupt meals with family and friends to send and receive messages? Is your first impulse when you wake up to check email/Facebook/Twitter instead of listen to God? Has posting become more important than praying? If so, maybe social networking has become a god.

2) Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven images.

Throughout history people have created things to remind them of God – sculptures, stained glass windows, crucifixes – which people eventually began to worship instead of God. Likewise many people have become enamored with the potential social networks have as a platform to share the gospel, connect people to their church, or share spiritual insights. Be careful not to allow the tools used in the name of God to become more important than your relationship with God.

3) Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.

Don’t use acronyms that take the Lord’s name in vain like OMG. Don’t use acronyms that are shorthand for profanity. In general consider the coarseness and vulgarity of what you say online.

4) Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.

Be intentional about taking breaks from social networking so you can spend focused time with God.

5) Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long.

Kids, respect the social networking rules your parents set up. Parents, set up social networking boundaries for your kids. Install filtering software on all computers. Set rules for when and how much time your kids can spend online/texting. Warn them about friending strangers.

6) Thou shalt not kill.

Jesus said, “You’ve heard it said, ‘Do not murder.’ …But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother…[or] says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.” (Matthew 5:21-22) Don’t insult or hate on people online.

7) Thou shalt not commit adultery.

Guard yourself against porn. Use filtering/monitoring software on your computer and mobile browser and get yourself an accountability partner.
Guard yourself against emotional affairs. Just because you’re not having sex doesn’t make flirting or deep soul-level conversations with someone who’s not your spouse are ok.

8 ) Thou shalt not steal.

Don’t steal time from your employer, your spouse, or your kids for social networking.

9) Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.

Don’t lie or slander people online.

10) Thou shalt not covet.

Don’t envy people’s blogs or the number of friends, followers, or comments they have. Don’t envy the hot studio photo from 5 years ago they use as their profile pic. Don’t envy all the parties, vacations, and accomplishments they choose to post about. Much of what people post about is put in the best possible light and their struggles and shortcomings are omitted.

​

 

[amanda123]

I'm a mum. Those facebook commands are good Dannibear lots of churches use them to train kids in rite internet use.

My biggest worry is that girls espeislly seem to put up lots of pictures of themselves los of preety faces and them thrive on the good comments. This can't be right. Also its a risk if pivacy settings aren't high

So my advice to teens is get rid of all those albums of 'me' its just pride and may attract wronbg attention

 

[dannibear]

Amanda, I have plenty of pictures on my Facebook. Some of me in them, some with me and my friends, some with my boyfriend and I, my dog, my family, my church family, etc.

Now that I have told you what is in my Facebook albums, tell me, can you tell what is in my heart when I post those pictures?

Romans 8:27

 

[amanda123]

Amanda, I have plenty of pictures on my Facebook. Some of me in them, some with me and my friends, some with my boyfriend and I, my dog, my family, my church family, etc.

Now that I have told you what is in my Facebook albums, tell me, can you tell what is in my heart when I post those pictures?

[/QUOTE
Dannibear only God knows ur heart.
You sound very defensive I was suporting your post.

I'm sure your photos are all lovely

I am refering to young girls age 13 upwards posting lots of facial or model likepoes of themself and possibly putting themselves at risk.
Not referring to nice family boyfriend animal pics etc

I suppose what should be asked is what is the aim in onews heart of posting pictures of self

 

[dannibear]

Dannibear only God knows ur heart.
You sound very defensive I was suporting your post.

I'm sure your photos are all lovely

I apologize then, I thought your post was in reference to the entire population of women on Facebook and other social media outlets.

I am refering to young girls age 13 upwards posting lots of facial or model likepoes of themself and possibly putting themselves at risk.
Not referring to nice family boyfriend animal pics etc

I suppose what should be asked is what is the aim in onews heart of posting pictures of self

That is a question with many answers, and we will never know all of them. Many women access Facebook and post pictures of themselves. There is no way to find out why from each of them. But we have a God that does just that.

 

[ImDani]

Before I say anything, I would like to say that I mean no offense, and I hope that none is taken.

I was so deeply disturbed by this post, I'm extremely appalled. The ten commandments weren't meant to be used that way. Those rules were not meant to be stretched in that manner. Playing hours of Farmville doesn't make it a god. If you aren't worshiping it it isn't a god. I think that's the point that disturbed me the most. As a 17 year old I spend a lot of time on the internet. It's just a habit of mine, but that doesn't mean that I can't have a Facebook, or Twitter, or Tumblr. I am, honestly, addicted to playing a game called WeTopia. I play it most everyday. It's something that I have to do. Why? Because of my efforts to continue the game I am helping people in need. That doesn't mean that it's a god.

Your last "rule" that you conjured up doesn't make much sense to me. Don't envy the number of friends or followers? It natural for a human being to envy. The 10th commandment has nothing to do with jealousy.

The internet is a dangerous place, yes. There are predators on it and that's just reality, but there is no reason to not use it for Google, email, and nothing else for the fear that God won't accept. There is nowhere in the Bible where God says "Thou shalt not engage in social networking". I've met so many people on the internet it's amazing. Twitter can be an online diary. A way to communicate with people. As Christians you shouldn't need to consult the bible on every decision you make. You won't make it through life like that. Use simple knowledge. The general population uses Twitter that doesn't make it unholy. It's all about how you use it. But I strongly disagree with what you said about how Farmville is a god if you play it a lot and you don't pray as much. Prayer is important, but that doesn't rule my life either. Praying is having a conversation with God. You don't have to be on your knees, eyes closed, palms pressed together. If you need to talk to God just talk to him.

I know I'll have people disagree with me, but I've grown up in a home where God is the center at all times, but we lead "normal" lives. I don't read the bible everyday. I don't get in my knees and play for 6 hours. It's all about your relationship with God.

 

[dannibear]

If you aren't worshiping it it isn't a god.

An idol does not have to be physically bowed down to, to be considered an idol. A simple definition of idol worship is to believe that anything beside God can help us, or to hold something as more important to us than God.

It's just a habit of mine, but that doesn't mean that I can't have a Facebook, or Twitter, or Tumblr.

The post did not say you couldn't have one. I have my own Facebook as well.

Don't envy the number of friends or followers? It natural for a human being to envy.

Then I saw that all toil and all skill in work come from a man’s envy of his neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind. (Ecclesiastes 4:4 – ESV)

For from within, out of the human heart, come evil ideas, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, evil, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, pride, and folly. All these evils come from within and defile a person.” (Mark 7:21-23, NET)

A tranquil spirit revives the body, but envy is rottenness to the bones. (Proverbs 14:30, NET)

he internet is a dangerous place, yes. There are predators on it and that's just reality, but there is no reason to not use it for Google, email, and nothing else for the fear that God won't accept. There is nowhere in the Bible where God says "Thou shalt not engage in social networking". I've met so many people on the internet it's amazing. Twitter can be an online diary. A way to communicate with people.

It seems you misinterpreted the post. It did not say having a social networking account was bad, it provided guidance as to how best to use it without it tainting the relationship we have with God. Many people spend hours of their time on Facebook, but not nearly as much with God. It is easy to know who is the Lord of someone's life by how they spend their time.

As Christians you shouldn't need to consult the bible on every decision you make. You won't make it through life like that. Use simple knowledge.

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. 2 Tim 3:16-17
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105
[h=3][/h] But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Joshua 1:8

[h=3][/h]

 

[ImDani]

Throwing scripture at me doesn't make it any worse of what you did. Using scripture out of context is the worst thing possible. Like I said, you don't need to consult the bible about everything. God gives you the simple knowledge of what you should and shouldn't do. There are people around this globe that have never and will never see a bible or hear of one, but it doesn't mean that they can't live righteous lives.

Spending hours of time on Tumblr or Facebook doesn't mean that it is a lord, or a god. It doesn't mean that at all. I don't even go to church. I don't sit in a building and listen to some man to tell me to read the bible everyday and get on my knees and repent. But just because I do that doesn't mean that I'm not close to God. It's about your relationship with God. Again, a game doesn't become an idol if played everyday and spent on more than praying and whatnot. You don't have to get on your knees to pray. You don't have to close your eyes. You can just talk to God like you talk to yourself in your mind. He can hear it.

You should learn to talk to people without throwing scripture at them. My friends know what I believe and I have not once thrown a scripture at them. It makes you look religious an uneducated. Unless you study your bible and know every verse I'm guessing that you searched those scriptures to back yourself up.

What I'm trying to do on TalkJesus is get you all to stop throwing out scripture when it's not needed or necessary. The last scriptures really don't do anything for me but turn me off. It's actually one of my pet peeves. Try to be more open minded.

 

[Fenn]

ImDani: What do you think has more authority, the Word of God or of man? The reason we should be backing up what we say with scripture is to make sure we are in line with God's Word, which is relevant to all aspects of life. This is a forum dedicated to Jesus and scripture, why would you try to get us away from that?
I have read the Bible and a lot of times I can think of only part of a scripture or just have an idea about it. I will then research it and put it in. Why is this wrong? God's commands pertain to everything and should guide our behavior on the Internet.
Dannibear had some good points and you seem to have taken some of her words out of context. If you say she is taking scripture out of context, then I would love to know in what ways. I feel that the scripture she posted was directly in line with the conversation.

Also, the OP asked for scripture.

 

[dannibear]

You should learn to talk to people without throwing scripture at them. My friends know what I believe and I have not once thrown a scripture at them. It makes you look religious an uneducated. Unless you study your bible and know every verse I'm guessing that you searched those scriptures to back yourself up.

What I'm trying to do on TalkJesus is get you all to stop throwing out scripture when it's not needed or necessary. The last scriptures really don't do anything for me but turn me off. It's actually one of my pet peeves. Try to be more open minded.

I was not throwing scripture at you. You are annoyed but here at the site, it's one of the rules here at TalkJesus to post Scripture when making a Biblical point. Here is a redirect so you can read them: Announcements - Press Stand
By posting the Scripture, I am not using my own finite knowledge to share an answer to a subject such as this one, I instead refer to the knowledge and wisdom of the Bible to answer to a post instead. This ensures that the answer I give does not stem from false ideas or twisted Scripture. By trying to get people to stop 'throwing Scripture' around, you are trying to encourage people in not only violating a rule here at TalkJesus, but also by referring to their own knowledge to a Biblical question. I will post another Scripture to answer why we should pray and refer to His Word for wisdom, but in no way am I throwing it out at you:
Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5

 

[ImDani]

In what way did I say it is wrong? I never said that it was wrong. I said there is no need. We are all Christians here I'm assuming. I never said that God's word has less authority than man. I'm not sure where you got that from. And, actually, this forum is for Teens discussing teen issues.

There is nothing wrong with quoting scripture. Nothing at all. My father does it sometimes when it fits the situation. What I mean by "out of context" I mean pulling out scripture from different situations. That's pulling out of context. There is always a back story to a scripture. Even I know that. It is completely irking to see you say this as if I'm trying to say that using scripture is wrong. I've been in environments where they're spit out left and right and do no good. As I've said 3 times, God gives you the simple knowledge of what to do. I find it so sad that some Christians have the mindset of "The world is doing it. Would God approve of it? Should I let my teenage daughter listen to Justin Bieber? He's secular music." "Should become a part of a fanbase? I might worship the person" and so on. I do agree she made some good points, but it was smashed and crushed by her use of applying the 10 commandments to the situation. Farmville can be addictive, but that doesn't mean that it's a god.

Honestly, it just comes down to your relationship with God. You can spend hours on the interwebs, but still have a strong relationship with God.

 

[dannibear]

I said there is no need. We are all Christians here I'm assuming.

I already made the point in my post above your recent one why it is against the forum rules to not post Scripture when making a Biblical point. Not everyone here is a Christian, this is a forum for serious Christians and those seeking Jesus Christ.

What I mean by "out of context" I mean pulling out scripture from different situations. That's pulling out of context.

I was not using the Scripture out of it's context. I showed how those Scriptures are still relevant to Internet use and honoring God.

Farmville can be addictive, but that doesn't mean that it's a god.

Actually, if the game has become addictive to someone, then it has at that point, become a god/idol.
I recommend reading this article, they explain better than I could on the subject, and they also use Scripture to back up their point.
Your Addiction, Your Idol

 

[ImDani]

Actually, if the game has become addictive to someone, then it has at that point, become a god/idol.
I recommend reading this article, they explain better than I could on the subject, and they also use Scripture to back up their point.

Actually, no. Because you can be addicted to chocolate and that isn't a god or an idol. I'm not going to read the article because I know what it's going to say "backing up your point". Yes, I understand that God is a jealous god, but I'm 99.9% sure that if I'm addicted to eating brownies he won't send me to hell. And I'm 100% positive that brownies are a god. It's food. If someone is addicted to watching Catfish, a show about a guy trying to help people who date other people on the internet make sure that the person is who they say they are, it doesn't mean that the show has become a god.

If you do reference Scripture don't take it literally. I can name many instances where you shouldn't.

I already made the point in my post above your recent one why it is against the forum rules to not post Scripture when making a Biblical point. Not everyone here is a Christian, this is a forum for serious Christians and those seeking Jesus Christ.

Excuse me. I didn't see that. I apologize for that, but still, how is that going to convince anyone that doesn't believe make them believe. I will tell you, if I didn't believe in god, I still wouldn't. And please don't suggest that I'm not a serious Christian. I just don't believe in throwing scripture around to make it sound like you understand something. You can reach people simply by word of mouth. Your experience. How God has effected your life. If someone doesn't believe in God they're going to believe if you throw out some scripture. And if you are seeking Christ I don't think you want a bunch of scripture thrown at you. I think you want a personal, one to one conversation.

 

[Fragrant Grace]

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Psalm 119:105


Greetings ImDani

I apologise if this sounds harsh.
You write from a very worldy perspective, defending things of the world.

And whilst social networking etc etc may not be wrong
It can easily become an idol
And take over the things of the Lord, the spiritual things that matter most

dannibear has written some excellent points here, please consider them carefully.

And we all do well to consider what takes up most time and space in our lives
And if it is not Jesus then it is most likely an idol of whatever nature


And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Romans 12:2


The dearest idol I have known
Whatever that idol be
Help me to tear it from Thy throne
And worship only Thee*






* William Cowper hymn

 

[dannibear]

And please don't suggest that I'm not a serious Christian.

You are taking what I am saying too close to heart. The statement "for serious Christians and those seeking Jesus Christ' is literally the motto of the forums. It is supposed to be mean that Anyone, not just Christians, are welcome here to learn about God.

 

[bestrfcplayer]

@ImDani, that's why I am here as well. To hopefully start somewhere to try and suggest (notice I said suggest and not force) some Christians to try and have an open mind about this world (and this includes mainstream science). But if they chose to continue on the path that they are leading, then that's fine too. Thanks to free will.

 

[LadyLion]

As with anything, I think what should be inspected is your intention. Social media can be used in a positive way for reasons such as you mentioned. I don't foresee an issue with it as long as you use it to glorify and honor God.