The plastic fruit of online living

Mexdeaf · May 14, 2013

This is worth your time to read.

http://thegospelcoalition.org/mobile/article/tgc/the-plastic-fruit-of-online-living

Iconoclast · May 14, 2013

Mexdeaf said: ↑

This is worth your time to read.

http://thegospelcoalition.org/mobile/article/tgc/the-plastic-fruit-of-online-living
Click to expand...

Thanks for posting this helpful link.

here is a sermon i have found a helpful reminder about social networking;
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=92611150205

Getting Comfortable

It's fun to fill your life with Facebook friends, Twitter followers, and blog readers who seem to care every time you nail a Pinterest project or your kid does something cool. Who wouldn't love an audience to "like" all their pictures and "ooh and aah" over their craftiness?

But brothers and sisters, we must recognize this self-obsession and pride for what it is.

When I'm being encouraged primarily by online relationships, and large portions of my time are spent reading my own good press, it can get pretty comfortable on the sofa of social media. I like living in an online world where there's no need for my community to truly bear with me. I'd rather bask in the love of my digital perfection than stumble and fall before real people who will call me out and hold me accountable.

If I'm not careful, hanging out where no one knows my dirt can easily lull me away from reality into a life of insincerity and isolation.
Being Present

Avoiding real-life connections—the ones you see every Sunday morning—to unpack your heart in the digital community doesn't only set you up for a delusional view of self, disappointment with your physical community, and social isolation; it also breeds spiritual stagnancy.

No matter how great your internet friends are, they aren't standing beside you, sensing your suffocating self-absorption. They don't see you at your worst or notice when you're avoiding fellowship or suffering from spiritual depression. They won't pick up on your dissatisfaction with your spouse, your constant bitterness or negativity, or your refusal to forgive the friend who hurt you. But real-life friends, the ones who can drive to your doorstep when you call, will.

I need friends who will get in my grill, iron sharpening iron, and help me to conquer sin head-on. I may turn a blind eye to my own social media slickness, but true friends won't. I need to be confronted by my sinfulness in real life, where there's no filter and no delete button.
Our Real and Present Need

My greatest need isn't a public relations manager; it's a Redeemer. And real-life, everyday friends—the ones aware of both my sin and the gospel's power—will regularly remind me of this need.

Long-distance and digital friendships, no matter how wonderful they are, cannot gain full access into our souls. Seeing a friend's compassionate eyes, holding her hand, and kneeling together in prayer are evidences of God's tangible nearness in the war against sin.

Don't settle for keeping your life primarily or exclusively online. Social media is a poor substitute for physical presence. Strive, fight for, and pour into those friends with whose voices, body language, and quirky personalities you're well familiar. These are the hearts that know your heart—and are praying and engaging for your sanctification.
:thumbs::thumbs:
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The plastic fruit of online living

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The plastic fruit of online living

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