Facebook Balance

Lately, I've been thinking about something that doesn't sound so deep on the surface: Is my Facebook usage in balance?  By that, I mean I'm struggling with temptations to post things I typically don't consider appropriate to my intentional use for Facebook.  I'm a pastor.  I want to encourage those who read my posts to trust the Lord.  I also want to use Facebook as a communication tool, posting event announcements, website updates, and other important things.  But I also want to, from time to time, post my thoughts about social issues of our day - especially about political ideologies, because they directly reflect theology - and theology matters.  And then I sometimes want to rant.  So what's the balance?

Therein is the question, but the answer deserves careful consideration.  Every Facebook user should answer some basic questions before posting on Facebook - or even opening an account!  Here's a few that, when answered, will help to sift through the temptations to use Facebook in ways that are inappropriate for that user.

1. What is my purpose in using Facebook?
2. Does my post fit that purpose?
3. Does my post reflect well on me and my family?
4. Does my post reflect well on others?
5. Does my post clearly articulate what I want to say?
6. Does my post further my cause?
7. Does my post divulge personal information that could be used to harm myself or others?

These seven questions will help.  There are a few guidelines that I also use to help keep my posts (remember, I'm a pastor, and I represent the Lord) appropriate.  Often a post is not what I write, but what I "Like" or "Share."  These guidelines apply to "Like" and "Share" options.

• Interact if it's Biblically true
• Interact if it's Biblically moral
• Ignore if it's anti-Christian - unless you really think you can clear things up in a Christian manner - with love and integrity.
• Make sure its right and true, not an internet hoax (do your homework).
• Don't be racy, raunchy, or even off-color
• Will it honor marriage (my spouse will appreciate this one, and so will yours)
• Does it encourage others to think more highly of God and more rightly of themselves?
• Is it something people may need to know about (i.e., community events, prayer needs, etc.)
• Does it promote good citizenship?
• Stay away from violence or the advocacy of violence.
  
• Defend freedoms given in the Bill of Rights
  
• Promote Life first, then liberty, and never license.  (If you don't know what license means, now's your chance to start doing your homework - look it up!  Wink! Wink!)
  

Finally, here's some pointers that should help us govern the amount of time we spend on Facebook - because that gets in the way of good relationships, and they matter far more than a computer screen!

• Is my time on Facebook preventing a healthy relationship with my wife, kids, or parents?
  
• Is my time on Facebook preventing me from getting my work done?
  
• Is my time on Facebook preventing me from doing something helpful for someone?
  
• Is my urge to check in on Facebook the result of "needing to feel connected"?
  
• Is my urge to check in on Facebook the result of trying to "get away" from the current situation in my life?
• Am I using Facebook to throw a pity-party or a temper tantrum?
• Are my posts positive or negative?  I might want to slow down on Facebook if I'm getting too negative!  Instead, I should spend time in the Word of God and prayer!

I hope these guidelines help you to make Facebook a positive, useful, tool to communicate.  For Christians, there's nothing better than using today's technology to further the Gospel and Glorify Christ!