The internet is a wonderful means of communication, connection, and information. We use it for fun, school, and our jobs. As teenagers we need to be aware of some of the potential risks the internet poses when used unwisely or inappropriately. In Part III of a three-part series from the Boston Teen Ministry, we encourage teens to think deeply about the image they portray online.
Internet Safety: Thoughts for Further Discussion
What a blessing and privilege to be created in the image of God himself (Gen.1:27)! Predestined for greatness by God’s plan that our lives would conform to the likeness of His Son(Rom.8:29)!
Sometimes it’s good to stop and take stock of where we are in our mission to restore the image of Christ in our lives. It’s even good to stop and think about what we feel about this destiny and what it means to us.
Our friends often look at the “outward appearance”, while God is concerned with the heart. The image we try to convey about ourselves online can be a helpful way to determine what we think, feel and value.
Following are some questions you and your friends can talk and think about together.
Image
A. Whom are you trying to impress? I Sam 16:7
• What image do you think people have of you? What image do you
want them to have? What image do you have of yourself?
• Discuss with friends or d-group more extensively
B. What image do you convey online?
• The content of your profiles, conversations, photos, wallpaper, songs,
quotes etc. reflect the image you want people to have of you.
• Talk about the image you are presenting to others
• Ask friends what message they think you are sending based on your
profiles, conversations, photos etc.
C. Why have you chosen that image?
• Image is correlated to security…if you are secure with God, self and
others, more likely project a positive, healthy , spiritual image
1Peter3:3-5
• If your goal is to attract attn. to self, body, popularity…Think about
why?
• Are you insecure? Sexualizing a need or emptiness?
D. How can you get security from God?
• Mt.7:24-27 Build image on rock, not sand
• Rock = God’s words…something for everything…give examples of
Scrips dealing with diff. issues
• Rock =protection, security, unchanging safety
• Sand=friends, trying to control the image they have of you, esp. using
internet
• Sand slips away, like friends…might like you/something about you
today, but not tomorrow