Use Facebook

What is Facebook? Facebook is all about people. The lives, relationships, pictures, and events - of people. More specifically, it is an online networking tool. It can be a huge time-waster - especially if you use it purposelessly. But if you use it purposefully, Facebook can be a serious Christian-bubble-busting, vision-serving, Kingdom-building, God-glorifying tool.

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I was at a Turkish Student Association event at UofT early last year. After a fun night hanging out, a couple of the people I met asked me if I was on Facebook. That's when I registered. .. I realize now that how I joined Facebook--through the suggestion of a couple of non-Christian friends--was a picture of what Facebook is - a way to get real, get in the world, and get moving as real-deal salt-and-light.

Sometimes I'm a bit slow, and my experience with Facebook, unfortunately, was no exception. That is, Although I first joined Facebook a year ago, I didn't really use it for the first six months. My vision was too narrow. I identified early on what a time-waster it can be, but not until I dug in to Facebook, challenged my own opinion and got my hands dirty did I realize what a powerful tool it could be to productively and eternally network with Christians and non-Christians alike.

If you're on Facebook, use it purposefully. Use it to connect with non-Christian (and Christian) friends. And even when reconnecting with friends from the past, think future.

You may think that one of the most spiritual things you can do is go out and witness to strangers on the street. Well, I'm afraid that is false. It is only realistic, and also more strategic, to start with being Christ to those you already know. Let's be realistic and think about years--or better yet, lives--more than minutes and seconds.

Don't be overreligiuos on Facebook. Just be yourself. But don't be ashamed of the gospel (Rom. 1:16). And if you are, as I often am, admit it and commit it to the Lord - and keep moving forward in God-confidence.

Don't waste time on Facebook. Boredom and time wastage are almost synonymous with meaninglessness and purposelessness. Instead, a good strategy is to slip some Facebook time in before doing something you have to do at a certain time - rather than when you have nothing planned and hours to kill (never a good thing). Also, do it when you're walking in the Spirit--when the Spirit is leading you--not when you've put the Spirit on the backburner of your thinking and walk.

If you haven't signed up for Facebook, I recommend you do so - whatever your age. Register at www.facebook.com.

The world is more complex than ever. There are more tools for evil. But there are more tools for good. If we don't realize that we're out to lunch.

Lunch is over. Use Facebook.