“You always find time for what is important to you.”
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. ~ Ephesians 5:15-17
So what are you finding time for? I always find time for my family and friends. That’s points in my favor right? Perhaps, but if I’m honest with myself, I’d have to say that next thing on the list that I’m always sure to fit in is Facebook. Yeah, you can take those points back. . . And where does God fit into this? He gets shoved onto the subway car with me in the hopes that it’s not too crowded for me to get my Kindle Bible out of my bag. If He’s really lucky, when I’m finished reading the Bible, I may even swap it for a book about Him.
There. I said it. I take more time for Facebook than I do for God. But before you start judging me (though I’m every bit as guilty as you’re thinking, I’m sure), take a look at your life. What’s coming first for you?
I’m the last person who would ever declare Facebook evil. But I am willing to admit that it’s far from wholesome most of the time. Studies have shown that Facebook can improve self-esteem because it allows for “selective self-presentation.” “Social-network sites are designed to share information about the self with others, including likes/dislikes, hobbies, and personal musings via ‘wall posts,’ and ‘status updates’ . . . . exposure to information presented on one’s Facebook profile enhances self esteem, especially when a person edits information about the self, or selectively self-presents.” On the face of it, this article would seem to promote the use of social-networking sites. However, I see it a little different.
I may not have consciously known that every time I log onto my Facebook I’m getting and ego boost, but subconsciously that may very well be why I log in so often. By carefully selecting what we post on Facebook, we are crafting an airbrushed photo of ourselves to present to the world, and I’m not just talking about pictures. Our likes and status updates are all carefully chosen to present what we consider the ideal representation of ourselves.
No wonder I spend so much time on Facebook! It takes all the “praiseworthy” aspects of myself and displays them to a captive audience (captivated by their own Facebook) that is quick to openly praise (and not so openly judge). So when I spend time on Facebook, I’m really spending time on myself, feeding my ego – my pride.
By finding time for Facebook before I find time for God, I’m counting myself as more important than God. Excuse me while I go rethink my priorities . . .
Keep on singing,
Quotation from:
Gonzales, Amy L., and Jeffrey T. Hancock. "Mirror, Mirror on my Facebook Wall: Effects of Exposure to Facebook on Self-Esteem." CyberPsychology, Behavior & Social Networking 14.1/2 (2011): 79-83. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Web. 15 Apr. 2011.
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