Ever asked the question - "I wonder what my friends are up to at the moment?" well wait no longer for an answer - look to Facebook!

Facebook is another application in the ever growing sphere of cloud based applications that are built not on a single person's or companies information - but rather on the submissions of content from all its users. This is true web 2.0 cloud based application - and arguably one of the best known.

This is a terrific tool for keeping in touch with people, and even finding and re-establishing contact with friends from long ago.

I love Facebook; it gives me an opportunity to see what people are up to all over the world - but not just anyone, rather those whom I choose to follow. You see Facebook requires you to create a profile, where do I live, what are my interests, hobbies, where did I go to school, etc. And using this information Facebook suggest people that you might know - and then once you have agreed on a person being part of your relationship circle, it then looks to see if within your circle of friends there are any other mutual friends you might know.

It really is quite amazing; within only a few minutes you can find people you went to uni with, old school buddies. And my favourite - missionaries, Facebook has been accepted by many missionaries as a means to get out information to those who care and support them. Rather than sending out a long newsletter they can quickly pop a message on their wall and all their supporters (who are online) can see this message and reply, send support or pray specifically for them in their need - or with celebration.

But as with most tools there is a sting in the tail - Facebook can be an incredible time waster, with many people now claiming Facebook addiction. Knowing what everyone is up to and having everyone know what you are up to can be an attractive heady thing that can suck you in. And It reminds me very much of the passage in 2 Peter chapter 2 where Lot was rescued from Sodom and Gomorrah as he was a righteous man living in a filthy and lawless society.

I have been staggered/amazed even disgusted at some of the content that I have seen in Facebook - not pictures, just people thoughts, comments, and their language. Why would anyone (young and old) choose to broadcast to anyone who would listen swearing, lewd suggestions, or negative comments. We live in a world that is fallen, but like Lot we need to keep our standards high - so should be leave Facebook? No I don't believe so - instead this is a mission field - one we can take from our chairs, so pray, get involved and lets communicate with the world the message of hope, the message of truth, the message of love.