Focus on Inward Relationship with Christ Rather Than What You Post Outwardly
Facebook is heading into 2019 with another black mark on its name. After a rough 2018, Facebook now tops the list of the least trusted tech companies, Fox News reports.
It’s just the latest in a long string of Facebook scandals, according to Fox. For example, “the company skirted its own privacy rules to give more than 150 companies … special privileges to its users’ data,” and a bug exposed “up to 6.8 million users’ private photos to third-party app developers.”
This may be the year for Americans—and especially younger Americans—to “keep it to themselves,” says religion and culture expert, national radio host and author Dr. Alex McFarland. Based on these privacy-compromising revelations and trust issues, coupled with the fact that social media giants censor conservatives and Christians, McFarland says 2019 can be the year we focus inwardly on our relationship with God rather than outwardly on what we post for the world to see.
“This world has never seen—and perhaps may never see again—a communications phenomenon like Facebook,” said McFarland. “There is no other entity, group or business venture that has made such an impact on how we communicate in less than 15 years in existence. But Facebook, and social media in general, has disconnected us too, even while increasing communication. What began as a fun way to share what we’re doing has become a major player in business, politics, elections and the economy, among other things. Junior high and high school students are facing harsh attacks online, and millennials can use social media as a superficial connection to their friends, family and co-workers.
“God gave us a voice to use for His glory,” McFarland continued. “With a communication vehicle as large and impactful as Facebook and the rest of social media, think of the positive difference Christians could make. Many are doing just that, but are we doing our part to turn this communication opportunity into a way to bring others into relationship with Jesus? As we’ve seen with Facebook’s recent woes, we must be very careful how we use the powerful communication tools that are at our fingertips. Someone’s soul could depend on it.”
The author of 18 books with another on the horizon, McFarland is the creator of the successful TNG national and regional apologetics conferences, which aim to help students, parents, youth pastors and community members to lift up this young generation, pray for them and empower them to stand strong in their faith.
To interview Dr. Alex McFarland, contact Deborah Hamilton, Media@HamiltonStrategies.com, 610.584.1096, ext. 102, or Jeff Tolson, ext. 108.
