I enjoy spending time on Facebook watching all the stuff my friends post. I admit I probably spend too much time there but some of the stuff that gets posted really cracks me up. Then there is the other stuff.

I’m often amazed by the amount of crap people put up ranging from Photoshopping their least favorite politician into Hitler to being offended by just about anything and everything they see or hear.

I was on Facebook one day and a buddy of mine posted something about which he was outraged and began a bit of a rant. I responded to him with this question: “Why don’t you do something about it?” You see, in all these posts where people are sharing their opinions and feelings they’re just throwing rocks and not really doing anything to solve any of the problems they’re identifying. While it feels good to throw rocks – I’ve been known to throw one or two myself – it is so much better and more productive to put the rocks down and get to work.

As Christians isn’t that what we’re called to? Aren’t we supposed to be the hands and feet of God, reaching out to those in need physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually? So why are we so quick to complain about how the world is working instead of doing what God calls us to, which is go do something about it?

I actually think there are lots of reasons we Christians hide behind Facebook rather than spend our time actually solving problems. Here’s some of what I see:

We’re Too Busy

Many of my Christian friends – especially my nominal Christian friends – claim they are simply too busy with work, family, and other commitments to get involved in something that would make a difference. People’s priorities are themselves not others so if solving a problem involves taking time away from yourself it doesn’t make the priority list no matter how much you grouse about it on Facebook.

I Can’t Do Anything About It

A large number of Christians cop-out by thinking that they have no power to change anything so why try? They obviously forget that all things are possible through Christ and we are taking about the God of the Universe here! So instead of trying to do something they really expect someone else who has more clout to do it for them. You’ll often hear these people say, “Someone ought to do something about that!”

It’s Not My Problem

How many people do you know that complain about something they don’t like but when you tell them to do something about it say it’s not their problem? That’s just a euphemism for, “I don’t want to get involved.” Sure, they’ll complain about something but when it comes to putting their time, talents and treasure where their mouth is they won’t commit because they won’t sacrifice themselves to be part of the solution.

I’d Like to Help But….

I love this one! Acting as if they really care, these folks find an excuse not to be involved in anything because they just want to look as if they care when in fact they really don’t.

I Can’t Afford It

Granted, some of the issues facing our communities take money to solve. But God never said you had to solve it yourself! You just have to be a part of the solution. Don’t tell me that you don’t have enough friends in your friends list that you couldn’t raise a few hundred bucks for something to help out! We all have people we could ask to contribute to a worthy cause – many hands making the burden light. God may ask you to reach into your own pocket to give Him back some of what He’s blessed you with so don’t be stingy – it’s not your money in the first place. But God may be calling on you to facilitate the raising of money, which requires you to get over your pride and ask your friends to make a difference.

That’s Not My Thing

I’ve actually seen churches use this one! Churches and people often choose a specific ministry on which they focus, which is great. But to claim you cannot be part of the solution to a problem because you are focused solely on something defies Paul’s explanation of how the church is like a body and needs each other. The issue at hand may not be your specific ministry but it may be what God is calling you to!

There are lots more excuses but you get the gist here. It’s so much easier to hide behind a computer screen and take shots at people and issues than actually rolling up your sleeves and doing the hard work of making a difference.

So here is my advice today:

  • If you don’t like a particularly candidate, volunteer for the other guy’s campaign!
  • If you have strong beliefs about something, volunteer for an organization that supports that thing.
  • Don’t like what Congress or your state legislature is doing? Go testify or better yet, write some legislation and pass a law!
  • Feel as if you could do a better job than someone else? Run for office; join the military; switch jobs – stop talking and start acting!
  • Feel as if you have a lot to say and want people to know your opinion and think about the points you make, start a blog!

Christian brothers and sisters, one more idea: use the internet to encourage and lift others up, as well as share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Then leave your house and be an example to your FB friends as you go into the world to make a difference.