It is this minimal commitment that makes these cyber-relationships so problematic for Christianity. The idea of relationship is central to the Christian faith. Christ died to pay for our sins so that we might enter into a relationship with God. He established the church so that we might be in covenant relationship with one another. These relationships however, cannot be reduced to a click of a mouse or an occasional pithy comment on a computer screen. They require commitment; they require investment. Our devotion to Christ cannot be limited to a “religious view” on our profile page or by “liking” the Bible. Jesus said that if anyone wanted to follow Him, “he must deny himself, take up his cross daily.” (Lk 9:23). This must be a real-life commitment, not just a few clicks of the mouse.
While my respect for God’s Word prevents me from carelessly translating Scripture, I cannot help but believe that a modern version of Matthew 7:22 might be, “On that day many will say to Me, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we “friend” you on Facebook, post Christian comments, and “like” many stories that included Your name?” Our fear should be that His response would be the same as it is written, “I never knew you! Depart from Me, you lawbreakers!”
There is nothing inherently wrong with Christians expressing their faith on the internet. On the contrary, if we are truly in love with Christ then we cannot help but share that with the world. The problem comes, as noted by Dr. Lickerman, when we substitute the electronic relationship with Christ with for the real relationship with Him.
In His Service,