Unrealistic Reality

Social networking is a great ''invention" and has helped many people stay connected all across the world. Just as Facebook, Google+(not sure yet on this one), Twitter, and whatever else comes along are helpful, they can bring about obstacles to reality. We have a culture that is obsessed with creating an unrealistic profile online. It is much like wearing a mask that reveals a different person for others to see than who we are in reality. It is basically an unrealistic reality that we want people to perceive about us. I've heard this statement before, "perception is reality." It can be true but it really is not. We can "front" all we want about what we want to be, but God ultimately knows us! "You have searched me, LORD, and you know me.2 You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. 3 You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. 4 Before a word is on my tongue you, LORD, know it completely." Psalm 139:1-4 (NIV)

Do we care more about what people think than our Savior? It is easy to try to be something that we are not. Honesty should be a non-negotiable for those who claim to follow Christ. Why do we think we can try and lie to people when God already sees our heart?

When we understand our sinful state and clearly receive God's grace, we will grasp the reality of God! The world thrives on unrealistic reality through media everyday. God created us for worship, not of ourselves but Him! We must build our identity upon who He is and what He has done through the cross and resurrection! He makes us realize we are valuable and worthy. Reality is no longer just perceived but becomes crystal clear through a relationship with Christ!

Managing the Social Networking Monster

On Wednesday morning I led a breakout session for Beach Week 2011 on "Managing the media monster." I thoroughly enjoyed speaking and listening to students from Florida, Georgia and Alabama share about the struggles, temptations, and choices they face. We walked through how to apply scripture to the choices they face, especially when it comes to social networking and music.

It is obvious that the Internet plays a huge role in culture today. For many under the age of 20, it is hard to believe that the Internet at one time did not exist! I remember the days that we had dial-up Internet where you would have to make sure everyone was off of the phone so you could connect. What was once a difficult and cumbersome act, now the Internet has now been the place where people are finding their identity and community. It is a wonderful tool that can be used for God but at the same time it can be used for evil.

(I encourage you to read the book, "Chasing Elephants" by Brent Crowe. It has a great chapter about the Internet that I used as a help for this study).

How do we wade through the junk that is online and instead of diving in head first, we engage the lostness with the love and truth of Christ?

Many respond to this question by becoming like monks from any social networking, media or music. They separate themselves from the world at such a distance that they can no longer impact the world. It is a fine line that we walk as followers of Christ. At the same time some people jump off of the diving board of social networking and plunge into deep addiction, identity crisis and sexual temptation.

How can social networking be used for evil?

• To tear down people through gossip (Proverbs 13:3)
• To become addicted to knowing what is happening in other people's lives at all times (Ephesians 4:29).
• To become addicted to wanting other people to know what we are doing at all times.
•  To become “numb” or “bored” with real life adventure, outdoor activities, exercise and face-to-face interaction.
• To lead to Pornography and Sexting. (Matthew 5:28, 2 Timothy 2:22, Job 31:1

Truth:  Our eyes can be the doorway to their hearts and because of that we must guard our eyes.

(an example of how social networking can be used to damage other people)

How can social networking be used for good?

   It takes small decisions in order to be pure!

• Ask for accountability - Covenant Eyes is a great tool.
• “Bounce your eyes!” - Job 31:1
• Invite and encourage friends to come to church!
• Share Bible verses on your status to encourage others.
• Write a note/blog online to tell others of how you can to know Christ.
• Use social networking to build others up!

Social networking is an excellent tool that can be used to help people come to know Christ and focus on what is important. My prayer is that you will learn how to distinguish between the good and evil ways that social networking can be utilized! Instead of using music/facebook/twitter/google+ to escape reality, use it to communicate to people the love of Christ!