Recommendation: StickyJesus
Yesterday, I read the book StickyJesus, by Tami Heim and Toni Bridsong. I really enjoyed reading it and was challenged by the message at the same time. The book is an investigation into how Christians should be committing their time and efforts into social networks.
The authors make the case that the newest mission field is the internet, specifically social networks. As Christ followers, our presence in our social network shines God’s Light on cultural, social, political and personal issues to those who live in darkness. God uses us to bring the light to help people who are part of our social network.
Remember, our Message is not about ourselves; we’re proclaiming Jesus Christ, the Master. All we are is messengers, errand runners from Jesus for you. It started when God said, “Light up the darkness!” and our lives filled up with light as we saw and understood God in the face of Christ, all bright and beautiful.
2 Corinthians 4:5-6 (The Message)
The authors REALLY know their way around social networking, marketing, creating buzz, and building engagement online and how that should drive our online time as Christ followers. Where else can you find references from Eric Qualman (Socialnomics), Seth Godin (Tribes), Malcom Gladwell (Tipping Point), in the same chapter that quotes from Dietrich Bonhoeffer? Very smart.
They remind us that we are called to be the light of the world. We have been entrusted with an online circle of influence, made up of all kinds of people. We have an incredible reach, spanning the globe, with instant and 24/7 access.
They point out that social media represents one of the greatest mission fields of our time. We have infinite opportunities to connect with people all over the globe. Instantly. We dont need a degree, a position at a church or a special platform. Having a relationship with Jesus is our permission to go into all the world…including the internet. In a reference to the story of Ester in the Old Testament, it is suggested that we were born for such a time as this.
If you persist in staying silent at a time like this, help and deliverance will arrive for the Jews from someplace else; but you and your family will be wiped out. Who knows? Maybe you were made queen for just such a time as this.”
Ester 4:14 (The Message)
We live in a time where information and access to information equates to (perceived) power. Words, images and stories are currency. The new medium is conversation and the new gold is content. Our best content will come from living our best lives authentically in front of others and giving God the glory in every step. That’s how our story becomes sticky and remains with those who hear it.
At the end of chapter 1, the authors offer a prayer to guide our time and efforts online. “I will go and I will do just as so many have done before me with the tools they were given. Open my mind and open my understanding - for my deepest desire is to follow You and make You known as I log online each day.”
We carry this precious Message around in the unadorned clay pots of our ordinary lives.
2 Corinthians 4:7 (The Message)
They continue later in the book: “The goal of sharing your faith with others in NOT to simply broadcast information. It is to be a channel that aids the Holy Sprit in His work of transformation. God does not need us to share our faith with the world. He can reach any heart at anytime, anywhere and in any way He chooses. The good news is that He calls us into a relationship and will do His holy work through us.”
This book has caused me to reconsider how I use my online time and how intentional I must be every time I sit down to read or write. The things I say (and don’t say) and the things I do (or don’t do) can build up or tear down. If I choose, I can be a light to a dark world every time I log on.
I need to be trustworthy, conversational and engaged as a listener. I am called to serve, to encourage, to be generous and sincere in all my actions online. I also need to remember that I need to be as authentic and engaged in my real life as I stive to be in my online life. I might be the only Bible that some people ever read.
My favorite quote from the book:
“May my life be a living recommendation to others of the new life that I’ve found in You. Your buzz doesn’t need my help; still, it consumes me. All around the globe, the faithful serve You in oppressive or life-threatening circumstances. I thank you that I can reach hearts with a click of a button and an investment of my time.”
Highly recommend the book. Buy it.
Thanks @tamiheim and @tonibirdsong.
