The effort encouraged participants to unplug from social media, the Internet and all technologies. And to spend time taking note of the needs of others.

A profound question

Before going further, it should be pointed out that I didn’t participate in the fast, but wholeheartedly embraced it’s spirit.

I agree with Anne Jackson, author and speaker, from Nashville, Tennessee, who addressed the practice of digital fasting in her thoughtful essay, “Why I Kissed Facebook Goodbye.”

“I don’t believe everyone should quit using Facebook, or be afraid of it if one hasn’t started,” she said. “We just need to be aware of the ways any form of media can interrupt our time with God or those closest to us.”

Jackson concluded her essay with an ultimate question, for the social media world as for every other world:

Is how I’m spending my time bringing glory to God?

With technology transforming the world, and seemingly every aspect of our lives, this is a profound question for our day.

I became actively engaged with radio broadcasting in my teens. Media and technology are now second nature to me. I’ve had to learn that anything we pursue (no matter how good it seems) can become an idol if not managed with the strength of God’s grace.

The National Facebook Fast reminded me of that. I was grateful.

New world of relationships

The fast also reminded me of people with spiritual needs right outside my door.

I’m speaking of people in the online world that are using the Internet to look for meaning in life. Yesterday, during the 24-hour period the fast was taking place:

TWO MILLION people. All over the world. Roamed the Internet. Looking for God.

Through the tools developed by the online evangelism ministry Global Media Outreach (GMO), these people are brought to the ‘electronic front door’ of anyone with a computer.

Real people, online, waiting for someone to open their internet portal to notice them.

Online ministry relationships

I wasn’t able to physically go to the other side of the world to care for their needs. Didn’t have to. All I had to do was open my door (log on) and greet the five people waiting, seeking hope.

Here is a selection of what was on their hearts:

“I want to know about being a Christian.” L., Myanmar

“How would I make friends who are really committed to Christ?” D., Ghana

“I just prayed to receive Christ into my life for the first time. Thanks.” L., United Kingdom

“Please, can you give me a Bible?” S., Ghana

“There has been times when I wanted to falter but God has always kept me. I praise Him and honor Him for helping me each and every day. He is faithful. Thank you for the encouragement. Be blessed.” T., Alabama (USA)

The fast put a spotlight on this grand privilege God has given the Church to tell the people in Cyberspace about the love of Jesus. To answer their spiritual questions. Pray for their specific needs.

Thank you

I feel Woodlands Church and Pastor Kerry Shook, who have stellar technology and online ministry platforms, deserve high recognition and praise for spearheading the National Facebook Fast.

They’ve reminded me that all people in the world matter to God. And we can bring Him glory by focusing on them, face-to-face primarily, and at other times in ministry online.

Question: What did you think of the National Facebook Fast? Are you engaged in online missions? How? Is it something you or your church would get involved with?

It was an experiment to explore the effects of Twitter on different areas of his life. It was a relief to learn that I shouldn’t experience withdrawal pains if I decide to turn the network off for awhile.

While Michael’s discussion of “The Twitter Effect” was helpful, there was something more. I hadn’t visited his blog looking for these insights. But in a moment of Social Media serendipity, there they were.

Throughout the post, I noticed subtle evidences of some of the top qualities that define “great leadership.” I’ve listed seven:

1. Great leaders publicly acknowledge others. In the first line of his post, Michael let the whole world know that Anne Jackson was his friend and that she had his attention. That probably encouraged Anne and brightened her day just a little.

2. Great leaders are open to the ideas of others. The idea for the challenge was Anne’s. Even though it didn’t initially conform to Michael’s thinking, he was open to considering it. He didn’t just dismiss it outright either. Even after saying “no” to the experiment he reevaluated his position. He determined that the exercise might actually teach him something. He went forward.

3. Great leaders are readers. We hear this statement a lot. “Not all readers are leaders but all great leaders are readers.” For good reason. It’s true. Michael said, “I read a lot.” Granted, it might be occupational malpractice for the leader of the largest Christian publishing company in the world to say he doesn’t read very much. But I think it’s safe to say that he REALLY loves reading.

4. Great leaders are listeners. Michael listened to what Anne had to say. He mentioned, as he frequently does in his writings, the enjoyment of seeking and absorbing information from those around him. That’s not possible if you’re doing most of the talking. (I’ve wrestled with this one.)

5. Great leaders are learners. The Twitter experiment was undertaken to enlarge Michael’s understanding of social media’s influence in his life. This post, like so many before it, reveals his quest for discovery.

6. Great leaders share what they’ve learned. That was the main reason he wrote the post. Michael’s motivation always seems to lean toward helping others learn and grow. I bet this passion for serving others is evident in many other areas of his life.

7. Great leaders live their values. It’s not a role they play. It’s who they are. It’s demonstrated every day through what they say and do…and blog and tweet.

Want to learn about great leadership? Follow great leaders. Social Media has made it easy to sit in the virtual classroom of leaders like Michael Hyatt. It’s expanded opportunities for connecting and learning. Sometimes in ways you weren’t expecting.

Question: Who are you learning from right now? What one thing have they taught you?