Guidelines for Christian Conduct on Facebook

Guest post by Denise Myers

Facebook is a phenomenal tool for communication. It is (along with twitter) one of the leading information and connection sources in the world. This communication tool shows no signs of slowing down. Its potential for good is matched by its frequent and frustrating use for evil. Some are struggling with this technology and its ability to create conflict amongst Christians. Have you heard anyone say…

• “They un-friended me.”

• “Did you read what they said about me?”

• “They shouldn’t talk like that.”

and the most common

• “That post wasn’t about them…it was something different (harmless)…I can’t believe they read into that post…etc.”

Before posting, remember, this is a public forum. Think of yourself standing up before a group of several hundred people (or however large your friend list is) with a microphone making your status announcement. This is essentially what you are doing.

Here are some things that I think could help this tool be a blessing and not a curse.

1. Never post negatively. – People will almost always assume you were talking about them (especially if you are upset with them at the time of posting). If they haven’t had interaction with you recently, do you really want everyone to know how bad your life is? Show everyone your positive side…they’ve got their own issues without borrowing yours. People will also “fill-in-the-blanks” on “who you are mad at” or “who is a jerk” etc.
2. Be quick to delete. – The Bible teaches that you are responsible to the Lord for what you put in front of your eyes. Do you remember the words to the children's song, “Oh be careful little eyes what you see, for the Father up above is looking down in love”? If someone uses bad language, delete the post from your view or if someone continually uses bad language, hide their status updates from appearing in your newsfeed or delete them. If a post on your timeline could be misread, delete it. If you thought it, someone else probably did too. If someone is offended because their post was deleted, explain that you are connected with a lot of people and you don’t want them to be perceived as negative. Explain your sensitive delete key. If they harass you about it, delete them.
3. If you can’t handle it, GET OFF. – Be honest with yourself and set time limits. The Bible says, you are responsible to the Lord for how you spend your time. Know yourself and be strong enough to limit yourself. Ephesians 5:16 – “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”
4. Use Facebook as a tool to encourage. – Take a few minutes everyday and post something kind on a deserving person’s wall. Be that person that lifts others.
5. Be careful who you befriend. – Never befriend someone who is dangerous to your marriage or walk with God. If someone is rebellious towards spiritual authority, the Bible commands us to leave them alone as they are appointed unto wrath.
6. If someone questions you about a post, remove it. – There are at least 10 other people that thought the same thing but didn’t mention it. Guard your reputation. No one should celebrate being a murmurer, gossiper or slanderer. The Bible calls each of these practices “sin”.
7. Never use Facebook to send a “Woe Is Me” message. – It’s okay to post needs or better yet, contact someone directly. A child of God is NEVER hopeless, helpless or a failure in life. To say otherwise is to claim God isn’t able to work everything for our good. We are told to even rejoice when others speak evil against us.
8. Know your spouse’s sign on info. – Never keep secrets. Marriages are destroyed when private worlds are created and the person you are supposed to be “one” with has no access to your activity on Facebook.
9. Do not assume a negative post is about you. – It may be, but never assume and let it ruin your day without confirmation. Contact the person quickly and ask, “Was this about me?” They might not realize how their post appears. If someone contacts you and asks that question, delete or explain your comment.
10. Sharing too much information is bad. – Be careful little mouth what you say. Protect your marriage/family bubble. Hackers are looking for your info right now.
11. Watch your language (including spell-check). – Vulgar or obscene language is never acceptable. What is or is not offensive language can often depend on the sensitivity of the reader, and although there are groups of words and phrases which will always be offensive, there are words or phrases that should be avoided simply because they COULD be offensive. If in doubt, don’t! While it has created some funny moments, spell check can have the vocabulary of a “pagan sailor”. Read what you post, after you “post it” to save yourself some embarrassing comments. If you do make a major blunder, delete the whole comment (don’t brag about it).

What other suggestions do you have for guarding your Christian testimony on Facebook?