I’ve been struggling lately…with Facebook. How stupid is that. The mere posing of the question seems that it should be clear to me what the right path should be…but I still struggle. Why is that?
I have so many friends that post happy, uplifting, enlightening posts that help me stay connected to them in positive, wonderful ways. Then I have “friends” who post questionable, undesirable, just plain nonsense posts that, if I respond to (or sometimes even if I don’t respond to), I am questioned and challenged and it becomes a great source of turmoil and, to be perfectly honest, sorrow in my life. That’s not good.
That’s never good. Is it? Or is it?
Life wasn’t meant to be totally without sorrow and hardship, right? I’ve been studying Romans 8:28-30 today, which is a well-loved, often quoted verse in regards to Christian life and hardship.
The breakdown from my study is this:
v. 28: your bad things turn out for good
v. 29 your good things can never be lost
v. 30 the best things are yet to come
Does Facebook fit into Paul’s plan for us in Romans 8:28-30? I’m not sure but I do know that it is part of my life and as such, all scripture is for our benefit, learning, and is meant to be profitable.
It’s hard for me to know the lines of where I should interject and where I should stay completely away from Facebook posts. When should I speak the truth that I feel certain of and when am I intruding on someone’s little private celebration of what THEY feel is the truth? (and don’t worry…I’ve found out they let you know when you’ve intruded…). Often, it becomes this bad thing for me…just like others, Christians are not immune to bad things. Just because we belong to God doesn’t mean we are “spared” from heartache, sorrow, despair, hardship, or trials. And Facebook often becomes a weapon that used to separate, divide, and cause strife. It has done that in my life. I have played into it and allowed it to do that in my life.
It’s a tricky line that I’m really not certain is meaningful, prudent, or has a lasting impact. It’s definitely not a positive impact. Facebook is a terrible venue to argue, debate, or pose an alternative opinion. In my experience, it doesn’t work well and usually ends in people feeling they can “say” things they would never dream of saying to the other person’s face and it quickly degrades to a new low.
But never have so many been so determined to say so much to so many about so little so easily. But don’t be disillusioned…it’s not without so little influence. It can influence relationships severely, without repair, and even without knowledge. Very dangerous.
So do I become a wallflower on Facebook or do I delete my account completely? That is the question. And who really cares? What difference would it really make? It saddens me but the two options really seem one in the same…
askfordirection 
Lot to think about, Jan
A) consider the person whose post you are responding to and your friendship level.
B) if it’s on facebook, the person wants all friends to see it and possibly comment on it. If they didn’t, the should of emailed or text. As far as not saying something inperson but would on facebook, see A. As far as a lack of comment and really wanted a comment from a certain person, I would call them and leave a message.
C) I like some of your post, most of them, others I am indifferent about cause it involves things or people I do not know, so you would be missed by those that like your post. Those that are butt hurt by your post/comments, see A.
D) Don’t argue on facebook unless you review rule A or can make light of it that the average person will understand or have a good reference to back up your arguement.
All good points and wise words, Dan. I sincerely appreciate your input. I have come to learn that just because someone makes a public post, they don’t necessarily welcome public comment. Unfortunately, I figure that out when it’s too late.
But you are spot on that I need to refer to A) in most cases… Thanks, Friend! 🙂
I am learning to treat Facebook like my phone book, Would I have phone numbers for people I do not want to interact with? No, I would not. The line has to be drawn somewhere. Taking on the strife, anxiety and bad choices from a list of 500 “friends” is more than I can handle. My list is short. Very short. And you are number one on that list so please don’t give it up…it is how I continue to feel connected to you on a day to day basis and I love that. Go through your list and honestly evaluate those who contribute only schlock. Delete them. They will never know; and if they do know and are offended they are the ones who need to re-evaluate how they communicate. As you mentioned, it is much easier to post offensiveness when not face to face or on a voice call. Facebook has no mother to give us “the glare” of responsible human interaction.
All good points and you are precisely one of the friends that make FB worthwhile. I need to not feel the need to interject and I am getting better at not taking the bait. I need to continually remind myself, “Not my circus…not my monkeys.” I’m not giving it up yet but will let you know personally if I do at some point! Thanks, Mary!
if you stop your account I would miss out on so much of my families lives, especially my granddaughters.
You’re right and that’s one reason why I’m determined to make it work better for me!
All excellent, my dear sister! And many of the same thoughts I’ve had as well. It does indeed give us “food for thought”…maybe we just take ourselves too seriously? 🙂 Do we need to GOY? I think, most likely YES. P.S. My fav line that you wrote…”But never have so many been so determined to say so much to so many about so little so easily. ” Love you!
Thanks, Sister and one of my best sounding boards! And you are right…WAY too seriously! 🙂