"Is Social Networking Keeping YOU in or out of Touch with God?"

Social networking is a global phenomenon of communication steadily conquering this century by storm. People of all ages have created personal profiles and are fully submerged in the daily culture of logging on to the web. The growing attraction to being “Linkedin” to the net makes networking and self-expression one click away. Social networking can be a constructive tool. It promotes social awareness and increases positive interaction with friends, family and colleagues. Adversely, social networking has the potential to diminish genuine human interaction and cripple the desire to establish organic relationships with ourselves, others and God. Large amounts of idle time spent meddling or engaging in social networking sites has become more of a self-serving practice rather than a God-pleasing tool.

People are more disconnected and distracted than ever before. According to Maslow's hierarchy, the third level of human needs is social. Human beings need to feel a sense of belonging, love and acceptance from others. In the absence of it, many are prone to loneliness and social anxiety. Networking sites have capitalized off the human need for acceptance. Social networking is a psychological trap for those not already possessing a strong spiritual sense of self or belonging. As Christians, we must remember as 1 Peter 2:9 states, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light”. It is difficult to declare the praises of God while entertaining meaningless banter. Take Twitter for example, most popular tweets are idle, regurgitated nonsense. Men will have to give account on the Day of Judgment for every careless word they have spoken Matthew 12:36. The more time spent reading gossip and garbage, the less time there is to absorb quality, spiritual food. True fulfillment comes as a result of plugging more into God’s word than man-made devices.

The next basic human need is esteem. People desire to be valued by others. The trouble is, some use their personal profiles as an opportunity to create an elevated or alternative identity. Many are manipulated by presentations of a heightened sense of self-ego. Nikki Rowe, a USC graduate student does not engage in social networking and believes, “Life is not all the glitz and glamour that are portrayed in profile photos”. She goes on to add, “Sites are a projected idea of self exploitation and human desire”. Those obsessed with social networking are more prone towards self-critique and comparison to the lives of others. One of the dangers of comparing ourselves with others is that it can lead to jealousy and envy, two attitudes that are despicable in God's sight. " Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else Galatians 4:6.

Relying on matchmaking sites to find a potential mate is no longer taboo. While, it is indeed possible to meet a quality mate online, some singles are placing more hope in E-harmony than relying on God to bring him/her His chosen mate on the scene in due season. While E-harmony has been known to bring couples together, there is an astonishing amount of relationships that have been destroyed from people’s preoccupation with social sites. Misdirected faith can open the door to a mismatch made in hell. Technology can be a great tool, but should not be placed on a higher pedestal than God’s divine ability to connect and intervene. As Christians, we are challenged to flee deception and trust God with our whole hearts. If you desire a mate, make your request known to God and allow Him to do the matchmaking. After all, He is able to grant you more than you could ever think or imagine.

All in all, social networking is not necessarily evil. Moreover, it is a powerful tool that can be used for great Kingdom building business if used wisely. “Face booking” and “tweeting” plugs people into a worldwide network. Instead of allowing it to be a catalyst for distraction, use it as a tool shine a light in a world full of darkness. If you are compelled to share your thoughts, share them in a way that is uplifting and edifying to the body of Christ and those in need of God’s love and salvation. Furthermore, nothing will ever beat the power of an old fashioned phone call, hand written letter or in person visit to let someone know you are thinking about them. The eyes, not a computer screen, are the truest windows to the soul. Use discretion when entering the cyber world.

Pray this prayer with me:
Father God, I am plugging into you right now. You are the author and finisher of my faith. Help me trust you with my whole heart. I want my thoughts and actions to be pleasing in your site. Regulate my time management and usage of the computer. Gird me with your armor and open my eyes to tricks of the enemy. Please cleanse my mind of junk and open my ears to your voice so that I can hearken to your orchestrated will. I claim divine connections and rebuke forced, ungodly communication in the name of Jesus. I rebuke entertainment from being an idol in my life. Your word declares that the tongue holds the power of life and death. Holy Spirit, monitor my thoughts so that I will only begin to think, speak and type words that are in accordance with your word. Forgive me for being distracted by idol practices and comparing myself to others when I should be looking to You. Let your Kingdom come and will be done on Earth, online, and in my life as it is in heaven. In Jesus name, Amen.
“Glitz” Minister Shea Scott