Open a Facebook account.
Fill in all information about yourself.
Fill in any and all blanks that refer to favorites you have.
Constantly update your status with useless information using no discernment.
Randomly quote from worldly songs/singers you listen to on a daily basis.
When posting, use the "in" words and latest hip "abbreviations" without thought.
Add provacative pictures.
Play all games whether they contain appropriate material or not.
Use little to no discretion...air your frustrations and grievances for the world to see.
Waste countless hours checking and following everybody and anybody...whether they are your friend or a friend of a friend.
Ignore that which violates Biblical principles...after all...this is "my space" to do what "I want because it is not that big of a deal...everyone does it."
If you are a friend...by no means...ever...make any effort to confront or rebuke foolish actions, pictures, language, or comments...because you will be attacked...by friends that you invited...for standing up for right.
WHAT?!?
And the devil...that sly old fox...has us right where he can use us...all in the name of "a harmless modern tool"...causing others to view what we post as "it must be ok, if so and so posted it"!
The tools of the internet can be helpful and useful. I know that! We found them to be a great tool to keep us connected with friends and family last year.
But like it or not, most often, it is a place where we trip and stumble over what we see. It can be a great time waster! It often serves as a dumping ground. I never ceased to be amazed by what people post for the ENTIRE WORLD to see. Yes...if you don't have your perameters set up right...more than just your friends can view your information page, wall, and photos. What has startled me beyond words...is the type of information that is "put out there". Things once done in secret or kept private...are broadcasted for friends....saved and unsaved to see and read. Things that were once viewed as wrong...are now right. And when I sign in...I am subjected to every form of whatever...by people who say they are my friends.
I thought, "Iron sharpeneth iron"? Proverbs 27:17 I have read words and language that we don't allow in our home. I thought, "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in they sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer."? Psalm 19:14. I thought, "The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life."? Proverbs 31:10-11
I thought Christians were to be different from the world! I John 2:15-17 In our list of friends...believers and unbelievers...in some cases...I honestly can't tell a difference!
Over the years, we have heard more preaching on "Don't judge others!" and less preaching on "Mark, and avoid!" Psalm 37:37 and Romans 16:17-19 I appreciate and I am thankful for our friends. I am concerned about their welfare. But there are some that have had to be marked and avoided...whether you like it or not! Out of a heart that truly cares for others and a love for my Savior, Ted and I will not invite things that are harmful...to us, our children, to our friends, and family into our home...whether it be through the front/back doors or through the screen. If that is being judgmental, oh well! We view it as being discerning. We have to give an account to God for our actions...we will not be held accountable for the actions of others by letting it affect us!
A note in my Bible from one of the many preachers I have had the privilege to sit under asked this question, "Are you a simple person when it comes to evil? Are you a wise person when it comes to good? Can you discern between the two?" I wish I had written down who asked this question and when!
Satan has used many vices over the years to wreck people's lives. Ecclesiastes 1:9 states that "...there is no new thing under the sun." There are inventions that are new...but the sinfulness of hearts and minds has always been deceitful. Jeremish 17:9 "Things done in secret shall be made known..." is a beautiful and convicting song. I wonder if God views Facebook as a helpful tool these days...nothing is a secret to Him, but now many things aren't even a secret to anyone else anymore either.
I am so thankful that God remains sovereign and long-suffering.
I believe, Christians are being stumblingblocks and being used as stumblingblocks in great numbers...made easy...by Facebook!
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