Last Login: 6/1/2008
Mood: Chipper

What do hundreds of thousands—even millions—of people check daily? Maybe even several times a day? Their blood sugar? Their bank account? Their attitude? No! They log on to the Internet and check their social network site! Whether it be on Facebook, MySpace, Friendster, hi5, Cyworld, Bebo or any number of other sites, experiencing a part of life through a social network site is a daily routine for millions.

Social network sites have quickly become one of the primary ways young people communicate with each other. Through our personal pages on these sites we share our current mood or our latest digital pictures. We use the sites to exchange thoughts, jokes, blogs, songs and videos.

We let the world know who we are through our personal online profile. We proclaim to the Internet world what we like and dislike, what makes us happy or sad and certainly what makes us unique. These sites can be a great way to communicate with our best friends, reconnect with long lost friends and even meet new people.

For all the enjoyment that can come through these sites, are there also cautions that vertical thinkers should take note of so that their social network site experience is positive? When we set up or edit our profile, what should be foremost on a vertical thinker's mind? Following are several questions we recommend you ask as you explore the world through social network sites.

Do I properly represent God?

Many people are inherently selfish and for the most part live just for themselves. Their profiles reflect this focus. Vertical thinkers understand that while their profiles tell the world about themselves, there is a more important focus.

They know that Ephesians 5:8 states, "For you were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of Light" (New American Standard Bible, emphasis added throughout). Their home pages are not just to represent themselves, but to be reflections of what and in whom they believe.

If you take a look at your page, is there something there that indicates that you are a vertical thinker—a Christian? Or does your page look just like everyone else's? Is there something there that identifies you as a person of faith in God the Father and Jesus Christ, convicted and convinced of truth?

Do I avoid foul language?

Does our use of language prove us to be a child of light or a child of darkness? If our page contains swear words, cuss words, base slang, euphemisms or sexual innuendo, are we reflecting light or furthering darkness? Colossians 3:8 tells us this: "But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth" (King James Version). In principle, that means off your page too!

While we might not use this language when we speak, it has been shown that it's easier for many people to type these things than to speak them. Vertical thinkers will remove offensive language from their pages so that they properly represent their Savior, Jesus Christ.

Do I avoid inappropriate topics?

Are there inappropriate topics on your page or your blog? As a representative of light, a young Christian is careful to be sure that the topics he or she has posted are uplifting. Subjects such as sexual activity, perversion, disrespect, character assassination, etc., have no place on a young Christian's page. Ephesians 5:11-12 tells us, "Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret" (NASB).

Also remember that when you apply for a job, potential employers often take a look at the social network sites of potential employees. Are there topics on your page that would embarrass you in the eyes of employers or cause them to reject you? Or does the content of your site confirm that you would be a good future employee?

Are my pictures appropriate?

Are there suggestive or inappropriate pictures on your page? Our world seems bent on raising sexiness to be the highest of virtues. Vertical thinkers do not fall into the trap of posting seductive, racy or sexy pictures of themselves or others on their pages.

God's Word tells us, "Your adornment must not be merely external—braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God" (1 Peter 3:3-4, NASB). Modesty and decorum should rank high on a young Christian's list as he or she decides what to post.

How about drinking pictures? Do our party pictures look just like those of horizontal thinkers? Or do our posted images reflect godly living? In the world of digital photography young people need to be aware of when and where their pictures are being taken. One bad judgment resulting in an embarrassing photo can speed around the world in a matter of minutes and then never go away!

We should also be aware that our pages can be archived and thereby preserved indefinitely. Poor judgment in posting pictures can haunt us from that time forward. Pictures that seemed fun at the time, when viewed in another context, are seen to say something different from what we intended. It is important to set our profile to "private" to help protect ourselves and our friends. This way, only those we designate as our friends will have access to our photos and other material.

Are my songs in line with right values?

Another way we identify ourselves as children of light is through the music we choose to listen to. Are there inappropriate songs on your page? Do the songs you post contain raw lyrics? Are the lyrics of the songs uplifting? Are they more representative of light, or of darkness?

There are some songs that God says He detests. "Take away from Me the noise of your songs; I will not even listen to the sound of your harps" (Amos 5:23, NASB). Vertical thinkers will strive to choose music that brings honor to God and to themselves.

Are the links on my page acceptable?

Young Christians also need to ask themselves, "Are there inappropriate links on my page?" One of the biblical proverbs states, "He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm" (Proverbs 13:20, NASB).

The sites we link to can be seen as representing who we are. Do we posts links to dark, vulgar, disrespectful sites? Or do the links we post encourage others in the direction of godly thinking and action? Are they helpful and interesting or disrespectful and degrading?

A few final questions

To help us decide on the content of our pages, there are a few other questions we want to ask. Would our parents approve of our page? Would your mother (no matter how old you are) be embarrassed by something on your pages? Are you trying to hide something from your parents? If so, change is needed.

Would your pastor approve of your page? Vertical thinkers also realize that they represent their church family. Would people be attracted to the truth of the Bible and the church you are part of by the example you set on your social network site?

And most important, would God approve of your page? We are reminded in 2 Chronicles 16:9 (NASB) that "the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His." While our profile might be set to "private" to keep others from seeing our page and posts, vertical thinkers know that nothing is a secret from God.

The popularity of social network sites will no doubt continue to grow. Let's encourage each other to use ours in a godly manner. "Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe" (1 Timothy 4:12, NASB). VT