More and more folks are using Facebook to communicate to others. It’s a powerful useful tool that allows mass communication. Usually it’s shared by friends and friends of friends near and far. The downside is that it is often used to communicate what we don’t want to read, see, or know about others. Want to find out about a fellow brother or sister in Christ? Check out their Facebook page. One can learn all sorts of things. You can get some idea of who they are away from worship services. Regardless of how they dress, talk, and act at services, they may have a different life away from the individual you think you know. You may be surprised and shocked.
Some post photos of immodest attire demonstrating their different standards of modesty away from worship services while others post pictures of others wearing immodest attire. Some seem to wear sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves (Matthew 7:15-16). Their outside clothing (or lack of) speaks loudly of their weak profession of godliness and good works (1 Timothy 2:8-10). Our fruits should profess holiness (Romans 6:21-23). We need not be hypocritical like those spoken of in Matthew 23:24-26. Some use suggestive language and even use the Lord’s name in vain.
Ephesians 5:3-5 tells us not to let “coarse jesting” be named among Christians. We are not to take the Lord’s name in vain (Exodus 20:7; Deuteronomy 5:11). Christians must bridle their tongues (James 1:26). Others write of their interest in sexually suggestive movies, television programs, website links, music with vile lyrics, school dances, and other activities. Some are “fans” of other things (i.e. companies, celebrities, slogans, etc.) that are inconsistent with God’s Word. First Corinthians 15:33-34 tells us that evil companionship corrupts good habits. The Bible teaches us not only to turn from such behavior (Ephesians 5:3-5) but to flee (2 Timothy 2:21-23). Christians are not to participate in activities that promote lewdness and lust (Roman 13:13; I Peter 4:3). Christians are to think on things that are pure, lovely, virtuous, and of good report (Philippians 4:7-9). We are to walk in the spirit and not after the flesh (Galatians 5:16-26). Participation in sinful activities will choke us of our spirituality (Luke 8:13-15). We are to bear fruit for God not to death (Romans 7:4-6).
It seems that some find Facebook a convenient place to come out of their shell or to expose things about themselves. The posting of interests and/or participation in sinful matters comes across as boasting. The Corinthians were reprimanded by the Apostle Paul for their approval of sin and an almost gloating of its existence (1 Corinthians 5:1-8). The contributing comments from other Christians who seem to approve of other’s worldly behavior is disturbing. Romans 1:18-32, tells us the importance of not showing approval to sin.
Paul writes to the Philippians to be filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God (Philippians 1:9-11). In Colossians 1:9-11, Paul writes that they should be fully pleasing to God, being fruitful in every good work. There is great danger in turning back to the ways of the world (1 Peter 2:21-22). Could it be that we are in danger of having the axe laid to our roots and being cast in the fire due to our lack of good fruit (Luke 3:7-9)? Could it be that our branch is being taken away due to lack of fruit (John 15:1-2)?
James 1:12-18 tells us that sin comes from the heart. Using Facebook improperly isn’t the real problem. It’s a sign of much deeper issue problem with the heart. We cannot serve two masters (Matthew 6:24). We must put off the way of the world and put on Christ. God knows every sparrow that falls and the number of hairs on our head (Matthew 10:28-31). He knows our Facebook too. By our fruits (Facebook) we will be known (Matthew 7:15-20; 12:32-34).
Carroll Duckworth
