In Rome a group of Bishops has suggested that people should give up texting, mobile phones and devices suc
h as iPods for lent. Meanwhile, the Church of England is urging us to use Social Networking, particularly Twitter and Facebook during the Lenten season. Is this simply the case of the Roman Catholic Church taking a traditionalist view of Lent, or is it an attempt by the Church of England to be ‘with it’ and ‘trendy’? This got me to thinking as to who is right.
My Evangelical friends would suggest it is a case of WWJD (which stands, for What Would Jesus Do.) Well, Jesus, to my knowledge, never used a mobile phone or joined a social networking group but he did leave some valuable teaching which can help me decide.
Despite what the Church may seem say, the teaching of Jesus is quite simple when it comes to actions. Jesus’ message was all about relationships; my relationship with God and my relationship with my neighbour. Therefore, whatever I do has to have one of two aims: It either has to increase my love of God, so bringing me into a deeper relationship with Him, or it has to increase my love of my neighbour, again deepening my relationship of those made in the image of God.
So, let’s assume I decide to give up my phone for lent, what matters is my motivation. Am I going without because of duty or obedience to my Church, or am I doing it so that I can spend more time with God and my neighbour?
With regards to the message of the Church of England, both the Facebook group and Twitter present me each day with useful suggestions. “Buy a coffee and give it away on the way to work”. “Walk around your neighbourhood and pray about what you see.” Again these are worthy ideas, but if I do them to simply feel good about myself and not for love of neighbour, it is a futile exercise.
Well, I’ve chosen to stay with Facebook and Twitter, I’m not too sure of my motivation but I know many of the suggestions challenge me. If I give up my phone in all reality I am not likely to use that time with God.
What the debate has brought to light in my mind is my need to examine my actions more carefully, and not only in Lent. The big questions must be, what is my reason for blogging?
I’ll go away and think about that!
