In Social Media...
Today’s society runs off of social media, it’s how people stay connected, how we hear the news, and how we can find the best shopping deal. I keep being reminded that social media is just a highlight reel of everyone’s lives. This led me to be more open and honest on my social media because it’s important for others to know that life isn’t all Starbucks and dates with my husband. I believe there’s a fine line to sharing too much, though. There are three things you need to be specifically careful with when it comes to social media.
Three things to think about when dealing with social media:
Is what I am putting on social media/looking at on social media God honoring?
Am I sharing too much of my personal life?
Am I comparing myself to what others social media posts look like?
Let’s take a deeper look into these.
First and foremost, it is important to answer this question honestly, is what I am putting on social media/looking at on social media God honoring?
In all that we do it’s important to honor God. “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)
When posting on social media do we think about whether it honors God? When looking at social media, are we making sure to protect our thoughts from things that don’t honor Him? If you can honestly answer yes to these questions, then you are honoring God with your social media. However, have we taken time to think about these next questions? Are we using foul language on social media? Are we looking at inappropriate images or sending them? If the answer is “yes” to these questions, then it is time to invite God into that part of our lives so He can renew us.
Next, it’s important that we don’t share too much of our personal life. Yes, social media is a great platform to share your beliefs and even to help spread who God is and share the story - but that doesn’t mean sharing our emotions (good or bad) over the internet every single day. I’m not saying you can’t post pictures and posts. I’m just going to say this…the internet is not your diary and the people reading on the other side aren’t your God. Let people in and be vulnerable, but don’t be more vulnerable to the internet than you are with God.
Finally, am I comparing myself to what others social media looks like? I know I have fallen in this trap before. It’s an easy trap to fall into. You see the highlight reel of someone else’s life. You see the pretty pictures, the new car, the fancy vacation, the “perfect” relationship, or even the beautiful family. There’s a story to each of these pictures. Try to think for a moment of one of those pictures on any social media platform you’ve seen and said “I wish this was my life.” Now, think about what it could have taken for them to get there. Maybe they saved for a year to take their dream vacation to Mexico. Or maybe they prayed for years for the husband they have now. It could be that they quit their comfortable 9-5 job to pursue a dream God put on their heart, laying it all on the line. You don’t know their story and neither do I. What I do know, is that their story is beautiful just like yours is and just like mine is. When we compare the life that we have to something we see on social media we are doing ourselves a disservice. If you find yourself comparing your life to the highlight reels you see on social media stop following those people or just take a break from using it. God created you in His image and He made no mistake when doing so. If we are comparing ourselves to others He made we are not being thankful for who He made us to be…it’s a blessing to be made different. I realize that it may not seem like it and we see qualities in others that we enjoy…..dig deep - He gave you qualities that are uniquely perfect for YOU.
My challenge to you: Use social media as a place to connect with others, grow the faith of your followers and friends, and be vulnerable without sharing too much information. I know it’s a struggle in today’s society, but social media can be used to radiate God’s joy!
