Godbook

by Macy Johnson

“A righteous man is cautious in friendship,

but the way of the wicked leads them astray.”

(Proverbs 12:26 NIV)

 

When I first started writing my weekly blog, God Sightings, a well-known writer suggested I post them publicly on Facebook. Little did I know the danger of that simple suggestion. Several comments on my posts came from people who were not, but wanted to be, my friends. I was tempted to believe their encouraging comments, but the Holy Spirit warned, “These people are not who they say they are. Do not accept them as friends.”

 

The first clue of impropriety was from someone who claimed to be a Texan. The broken-English in his comments gave him away as a hacker and scammer. I changed my posts from Public to Friends Only. I still receive a few such comments on old posts now and then, but have the courage to ignore them.

 

When I joined Facebook years ago, I was naïve and gullible. I don’t claim to know what goes on behind the scenes, what is true and what is false, but God knows. He calls me to be cautious with social media. He calls me to read His Word more than the carefully constructed stories of others. An addiction to God’s book is far more fruitful than an addiction to Facebook. Oswald Chambers warned, “External detachment is often an indication of a secret vital attachment to the things we keep away from externally.”

 

“A deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.”

(Proverbs 15:4 NIV)

 

God can use anything He wants for His glory. His Spirit will guide me in the best next steps so I can mentally distance myself from the world’s lies and replace it with His Truth.

 

I will trust the Holy Spirit to guide me in my use and enjoyment of social media. I hope you will, too!