Social Media for God's Glory

The overarching problem is that everyone sees and uses social media from a different perspective. ~Tweet from Neal Schaffer  

Recently, our pastor challenged us to a Nehemiah Fast -- three weeks of giving up a distraction and praying for an hour for our church.  Our sweet Emily chose to give up Facebook. For a young person, Facebook is a way to connect to friends, yet the three weeks gave her more time to connect with God.

I know there are varied responses not just to Facebook but to other social medias, as well. Some ministers preach against it; other well-meaning folks piously (and proudly) announce their disdain of it. I agree that, as with most medias, there are good and not-so-good uses.

I'm sure I'm not the only one who cringes at the very pointed and purposefully hurtful comments. I've never read one that has increased my confidence in the poster. I've tried to take the same approach to posting as I do to gossip: Is it kind? Is it true? Is it necessary?  

And did you know Facebook has a hide button? When I get too frustrated with the catty posts, I just click that little button for a few months.   

I love using Facebook to keep up with my cousins. Many of them are grandparents, too, and it's fun to watch their grandchildren grow up. One cousin had a lung transplant this year, and reading daily updates reminded me to pray, and to pray more specifically.

But there is another reason I'm in favor of social media. It's my favorite prayer list. We have never had a faster vehicle for immediate prayers. Deaths, illnesses, marriage conflicts and situations rising from divorced situations -- these can all be prayed for immediately. Others, from the tone and words they use, reveal evidence of a heart issue. Spiritual needs can be brought daily before God.

Today I read that my nephew, pastor at Little Eagle Holiness chapel (Native American ministry), is beginning a Monday-Friday radio ministry. I can pray. I read about a friend's sister who needs a physical touch.  I can pray. I read about a chaplain who was called in to be with a family dealing with a loss. I can pray. There were pictures from a Children's Church worker, along with a statement of her desire to see Jesus work through the lives of those little ones entrusted to her care.  I can pray.  A woman who had brain surgery yesterday.  I can pray. 

What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer. 

~Joseph Scriven

Facebook is also  great way to begin a card ministry. All you need is whitepages.com and a card. I've found addresses from people I haven't had contact with for years. I've also asked someone close to them for addresses. If you have money to bless others, tuck in a Starbucks or Panera gift card. Send an Amazon book that addresses an issue they are struggling with. 

Look for the sacred.  Take time to read and absorb the praises of God's people. Today I read several posts of God meeting His people, a post of thankfulness for Jesus, a pastor friend urging his friends to be like Caleb and "claim that mountain," and a song that encouraged me:


You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up... To more than I can be.

Sometimes Facebook can be a stormy sea, yet God can raise me up.  I can use social media for His glory -- to pray, respond to needs and to find the sacred. It's a tool -- and can be a holy tool. Let's claim it for God.

Hear it on Sunday, Use it on Monday

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