How will you answer?

Just because you don’t do something doesn’t mean everyone else is the same. That’s the reaction I sometimes encounter when I talk about online activity. People assume everyone else uses the Internet just like them…which may mean not at all.

It makes for a lot of extra work for me: finding the statistics to build a case; citing examples; and assuring people that the Internet is not a fad but is here to stay and if you don’t ‘get with it’ you will find yourself left behind.

Especially in the church, there seems a skepticism among some about the whole Internet thing. This is easily explained by a lack of understanding among an older age group. I wonder if there was a similar reaction with telephone, radio and television?

Unfortunately, the stories people read about misuse of the Internet tend to colour their perception. Yes, there is pornography online. It’s also been on the news stands for years, but that doesn’t stop you from buying Good Housekeeping. Yes, there may be security issues buying something online, but handing our credit card to an 18-year-old server in a restaurant and losing site of it as she takes it out back to run through doesn’t bother us. Anyone can find any number of excuses to dismiss the Internet, but few hold water. Even senior residences have computer rooms for people to check their e-mail from children and grandchildren.

It’s a matter of the will. Either you want to take advantage of all the opportunities being online offers or you don’t. If Christians choose to ignore it, then I have a suspicion the Lord will one day ask “Why didn’t you use everything the Internet had to offer to share the good news of My Son?”