Facebook for Christians

The Christian’s Definitive Guide to Being a Good Facebook Friend

Never thought this would be the title of my first book, but I think it needs to be written. If you’re on Facebook you probably know why. 

It’s a work in progress at this point. Let me rephrase that: I’m making it up as I go. But at least I have a few ideas on the subject. Let’s see if some of these make sense. 

Chapter 1 – “Some people shouldn’t be on Facebook at all” 

Should you? If you’re not already, there’s probably a good reason for that. If you don’t normally get along with people, you shouldn’t be on Facebook. If you struggle with time management or are easily addicted to games, you shouldn’t be on Facebook. If you are so insecure that you need people to like you in order to feel good about yourself, you shouldn’t be on Facebook. If you’re a bully or a jerk or an egotist, you shouldn’t be on Facebook. If you’re on the lam or in the witness protection program, you shouldn’t be on Facebook. There’s more, but you’ll have to wait until the book comes out. 

Chapter 2 – “There are some good reasons to be on Facebook” 

Paul (from the Bible) would have been on Facebook. He would have used this as an avenue to reach more people for the gospel. He would have prayed for the people who posted a prayer request to their status. He would have looked for ways to build up those who needed a word of encouragement. He would have kept in contact with his churches. He would have smiled at your daughter’s dance recital video, sent you a birthday greeting, and tried that recipe you posted for the cheesy potato casserole. I’m sure of it. 

Chapter 3 – “Think, brother, think before you post” 

You do realize, I hope, that everything you say, everything you like, every comment you make is “out there” for the world to see. Your boss (and other potential employers after you get fired for badmouthing your boss), your husband or wife, your children, your child’s teacher, your pastor, your friends, your enemies, our government, the Chinese government, the Russians…you post it, it’s out there. Undeletable. Forever. Think, think, think before you post. 

Chapter 4 – “Not everything you think you should post should be posted” 

People are going to unfriend me after reading this chapter. You shouldn’t post it if it comes across sounding arrogant and boastful. You shouldn’t post it if it comes across sounding angry and judgmental. You shouldn’t post it if it’s not 100%, verifiably true. And, of course, not everything that is true needs to be posted! You shouldn’t post it if it even hints of anything sexually immoral, impure, crude, foolish or questionable. You shouldn’t post it if you’re complaining, whining or grumbling. You shouldn’t post it if it has the potential to slander or tear someone down, or could be considered gossip. Much more could be said in this chapter. Just wait until the book hits the shelves! 

Chapter 5 – “Purposeful Posting” 

Here’s the chapter where what’s good about Facebook can be used to purposefully impact people’s lives for the Kingdom of God. Post words of encouragement and testimonies of God’s love. Post truth in love that points people to Jesus. Post sincere requests for prayer. Post pics of your family for out of town friends (as long as it’s not always, “Look at how wonderfully talented and perfect my children are.”). Post Scripture verses that mean something special to you, and explain why. Post with humility and thanksgiving, with love, compassion and kindness. Post on purpose to elevate Jesus, encourage one another, and engage the world with the gospel. 

Additional chapters/appendices include: 

"What's a #Hashtag?"

"Creative #Hashtagging"

"Why is my newsfeed loaded with nothing but junk mail?"

"How can I make money off of Facebook?"

"Help! Somebody added me to a group that I don't want to be in!"

"How should I lovingly tell my Christian friend that he/she is being a rotten witness for Christ on Facebook?"

"Has anyone's opinion ever been changed by arguing about an issue on Facebook?"
"So, if I type 'Amen' in the comments field for those money-will-come-to-you posts, how much should I expect to get?"

That’s all I’ve got so far. What suggestions would you add for the book? Friend me on Facebook and let me know!