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Lesson 2: Social Networking... and Parenting

Introduction

A. Stats and trends:

1. There are more than 400 Social networking sites on the internet today.
2. The fastest growing of these sites: Facebook, with more than 250 million active users; 5th largest population worldwide with continued exponential growth.
3. The average user spends more than 26 minutes a day on Facebook alone.

B. So, what does Social networking have to do with Christianity?

1. Sermons: exhorting/warning of the potential ills associated with T.V., books, music.
2. The difference with social networking: social interactivity.
3. In essence it is “real” relationships via the virtual world.

C. In this short 2 sermon series:

1. We look at how social networking is affecting us and what we can do about it.
2. Our second lesson looks at the parent/child ramifications of social networking and related responsibilities.

Potential Ills

A. It Is Addicting

1. At first everything seems overwhelming:
• It is shiny (new): learning how to navigate through the website.
• It is exciting: keeping track of all your “new” friends; learning how to make posts with the various options.
• After your successful writing (“blog” or “post”) there is typical anxiety to see who has viewed/responded to your post(s).
2. Then, you become a “pro” or “veteran”.
3. Eventually for some the whole experience consumes your mind, time, energy.
4. Like anything else: some aren’t addicted, others are…and to varying degrees.

B. It Encourages Egocentrism

1. Christians (aka people who needed to be saved from their sins) – have a biblical need to rid self and gain Christ.
2. While social network is about relationships much of the focus is posting about me (“MySpace”); concept of Twitter.

C. A Breeding Ground for Gossip

1. Social Networking posts are typically spontaneous writings.
2. There are various instances when people simply type-and-hit-ENTER.
3. While some posts are deleted…many are left for the world to see your true fleshly nature. Prov. 18:7; Prov. 20:19a

What We Can Do About it

A. Sin lies at the door…its desire is for you… you must rule over it. cp. Gen. 4:7

B. Determine to only have one Master… and Facebook is not it. Matt. 6:24; 1 Cor. 6:12; 2 Pet. 2:19

C. If your right hand (social network) causes you to sin cut it off (cancel your account). Matt. 5:30

D. Current relationships can be enhanced in the same way we use the phone or mail.

E. Use the Golden Rule online: Love God and your neighbor (spiritual netiquette). Matt. 22:37-40

F. Ultimately, create posts that praises God or encourages others to praise Him. 1 Cor. 10:31

Conclusion

A. If you are going to be involved with Social Networking, use it to God’s glory.

B. Realize and fulfill your walk with Christ in all things you do. Col. 3:17