A Christian's Advice for Using Facebook

I've been on Facebook for a few years now. In that time, I've learned about a few things that work well and don't work well for Christians on Facebook. Here is my advice:

1. Focus on honoring God. This is the most important advice I could possibly give to a disciple of Jesus Christ. Share a scripture or inspirational thought every once in a while. Share an encouraging word about what God has done, how he has answered prayer, or how faith in him has helped you.

2. Focus on others. Don't post too often about yourself or your life. Concentrate on demonstrating to others that you care about them. Let them know that you are praying for them when they are facing difficult situations. Take the time to "like" their photographs and status updates. Leave an encouraging comment when someone shares something good and wholesome. People don't post on Facebook in order to be ignored.

3. Avoid partisan politics. Your mission field includes Democrats, Republicans, and independents. You can affirm the value of life, the importance of marriage, the need to care for the poor, and the virtues of sexual purity without mentioning politics. You can be more effective when you avoid unnecessarily offending someone.

4. Avoid theological or religious discussion groups. You can get bogged down in useless arguments with "experts" when you join such groups. It can be more than a waste of time. It can be counterproductive.

5. Be careful with using humor. Sarcasm is especially dangerous. It can be easily misunderstood and unnecessarily offensive. Certainly humor can be used, but make it lighthearted and fun.

"Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone" (Colossians 4:5-6, NLT).

Christopher Laudett's Baptism

Before his baptism, I asked my son Chris to write a few sentences about why he was being baptized and what it meant to him.  This is what he wrote:

"I am being baptized because I want to be closer to God. I want to repent and be closer to God. I want to be forgiven for my sins. It stands for dying and coming back to life."

Embracing Obscurity

Embracing Obscurity by an anonymous author encourages Christians to embrace humility, contentment, and unnoticed service rather than to seek after attention, influence, and wealth. It's a powerful and important message.
Here is an excerpt from the introduction:

"We're drunk all right. We're intoxicated with a desire to be known, recognized, appreciated, and respected. We crave to be a 'somebody' and do notable things, to achieve our dreams and gain the admiration of others. To be something--anything--other than nothing.

"Whether you're an athlete, postal worker, missionary, or government employee, haven't you felt the insatiable draw of notoriety? Where do you think that comes from? We live in a culture that bases significance on how celebrated, or common, we are. And now the church seems to have followed suit. This is serious stuff. It's serious because of its source. It's just the sort of lie that Satan--the father of lies--manufactures and sells best. It's not too shocking. It can be justified and religious-sized and explained away easily enough. But it kills with the same force as the 'big sins' from which we distance ourselves.

"We all feel it. We all sense the power of this problem, even if we only see the tip of the iceberg. Yet even as our intoxication draws us away from our Maker and His mission, we're not sure what to do with it" (pages 1-2).

This is a good book...a challenging book. I received it for Christmas, but you can find it at a local bookstore or online at places like amazon.com. If you are up for a challenge, please check it out.