Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Facebook Filter



Filters are important.  I know, profound, right?  But it's true; we have filters in our coffee makers to keep grounds out of our cup, filters in our vacuums to keep dust from shooting back into the air, and filters in our vehicles to keep our oil clean. 

Right now the important question is: How is your Facebook Filter? Don't have one?  Yeah, we've all noticed.

I've been there.  I've gotten myself in trouble by making angry comments through Facebook, and it doesn't go well.  As a Christian and pastor, I'm ashamed of the times I've used Facebook or Twitter to harm someone.  So, I'm trying to use the filter.

What's a Facebook Filter?  It's the filter you need to use to protect yourself, your relationships, and your witness when using social networking.  It's important for not only Facebook, but also for Google+ and Twitter as well.  This is not a guide for keeping yourself and your family safe or private.  Just a way to control what you do and say through social media.  Here are some basic ways to filter your content.  (Note: I had to turn off my filter to even write this, but I think it needs to be said.  So sorry if you feel like I'm talking about you.  I might be.)

For Everyone:

  1. Is it too personal?  Let me say this plainly.  FACEBOOK IS NOT YOUR DIARY.  Your deepest darkest thoughts and secrets shouldn't be shared with your 500 friends.  (And depending on your privacy settings, anyone else that finds you.)  Don't make the mistake of sharing too much.  Instead, write in a diary or journal; it's good for you to put your thoughts down.  Even better, make it a prayer journal.
  2. No public attacks.  Whether you mean to harm someone directly or passive/aggressively doesn't matter.  Online is not the place to attack someone.  I've seen friends call friends out in a status and even tag them in it.  Not a good idea.  This is definitely true of couples.  A good rule of thumb is to never criticize your spouse in public; but even more so online.  If you have something to say to someone, do as Jesus teaches, and go directly to them.  (I don't mean directly to their timeline either.)
  3. Beware of judgmental attitudes.  Have strong opinions about abortion, gay marriage, politics, or religion?  Fine, you can share your thoughts through social media.  But don't make judgmental statements about the other side.  In recent weeks following President Obama's comments on gay marriage, I've seen people on both sides not only state their opinion on the matter, but also attack those of the other side.  Don't do it.  You'd be surprised how many of your friends disagree with you, and feel judged when you criticize.  On the other side, I have a scientist friend from college who disagrees vehemently with me about the origins of the world, but treats me and those he debates with great respect.  Because of that, we've had some rousing discussions online as friends.  (One more note: this includes the things you share on your timeline.  Sharing an article that attacks others is no better than saying it yourself.)
  4. Watch your language.  It's funny how quickly we forget who we allow as friends on Facebook.  I can't tell you how many of the youth of our church forget that I'm their friend and can see the way they talk online.  I'm not a prude, and I understand the desire to drop word bombs sometimes, but Facebook isn't the place to do it.  There's a great conversation in the movie Batman Begins where Bruce Wayne tries to tell his childhood friend Rachel that the playboy jerk he seems to be isn't who he is inside.  What Rachel replies is very poignant.  She says that what's inside doesn't matter.  It's what you do that defines you.  On Facebook, people only see what you post, not what is inside your heart.  So make sure the right you comes out.                                                                                                        This is especially true for Christians.  Your testimony - life with Jesus - is out there for the world to see.  People that know of your faith are watching your every move, post, and uploaded picture.  If you're a counselor at church camp who's friends with campers, quit posting pics of your partying with F-bombs in the description.  Remember, we are responsible for the people we influence for or against Christ.
Special Ministers' Section:
  1. We're on the same team!  Love your church?  I love mine too.  Really excited about what God is doing in your church body?  So am I.  So promote it.  Facebook and Twitter are great places to invite, promote, and share about God's work through your church.  But don't be arrogant and self-serving by making comments that hurt your brother and sister churches.  Remember that the Church is not just your group, but all followers of Jesus in this world.  So be careful not to act like your church is the Temple where Jesus Himself resides.  Instead, humbly share what Jesus is doing and invite others to experience it.  I can't believe how many pastors I've seen make comments about their churches being the best one around, or bragging about every little thing they're doing.  Let's remember, the successes we see are God's, not ours.  (BTW, I'm with you.  I want to brag about growing numbers, baptisms, and people coming to Christ too.  But before you do, see #2.)
  2. Check your motivations.  Want to tell everyone about all the great stuff going on at church or in your ministry?  Before you post, take a moment in meditation and prayer to make sure you're posting for God's glory and not your own.  We pastors are a confident - sometimes a bit arrogant - attention seeking bunch.  Are you excited to draw attention to yourself or to God?  Make sure before you post.  Remember, Paul tells us to boast only  in our weakness and God's strength.
Most importantly, remember that people see what you're doing, so think before you post.  Hope this helps.

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