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The Facebook Files
America is currently absorbed with discussions over media, and social media in particular, as the bombshell series of articles dubbed “The Facebook Files” have brought a simmering problem to a boil. Understandable displeasure is currently being voiced in school board meetings, through church sermons, in corporate boardrooms, and on the floor of the US Senate. The Wall Street Journal recently devoted an entire “Review” to the problems of social media, including headlines like: Slow It Down and Make It Smaller; No More Blind Trust in Big Tech; Government Control of Speech? No Thanks; and Too Much Power In Too Few Hands.
Whatever happens with social media – whether expansion, regulation, or disintegration – Christians should remember to use whatever tools the Lord has placed before us. Without facilitating sin, we are called to use whatever is at hand to share the good news of Christ and help each other grow up in Him. This is true for all earthly tools including publishing, music, and even social media.
For example, this week I received a great letter from a man in India who pastors ten churches. His work sounds somewhat akin to the circuit-riding preachers who played such a large role in the 19th c. American Southwest. In his letter, our brother specifically noted the way God uses a social media platform in their growth:
“We hold Bible Town on Sunday nights. We invite people from the ten churches in our area, and many gather to study with Frisco Bible Church through Facebook. Today, our hearts were all strengthened. Thank you!”
Friends, let us not grow weary in doing good and using everything we find for the sake of the gospel.
God bless,
Wayne