How Can I Make God The Centre Of My Social Media?

Teen Our Daily Bread

HOW CAN I MAKE GOD THE CENTRE OF MY SOCIAL MEDIA?

INTRODUCTION S

ocial media is just one part of life. Or is it? After all, the more we stress over likes, double taps, selfies, posts, friends’ profiles and the latest trending hashtags, the more we’re fixating on this one bit of life— and unable to have a more balanced view of ourselves.

Maybe it even feels like you kind of live your life through your online feeds . . .

The Bible says that we all need to feel good and satisfied; to live with meaning and purpose. But the problem is, when we’re obsessing over our social media profiles, we’re looking in the wrong place. So how can we keep God at the centre of all we are and all we do (including online)? What does it look like to maintain our social media as people who first and foremost belong to Him? And how can we make our feeds more about His love and welcome, and less about competing to have the best online life?

Come and check it out for yourself . . .

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Genesis 29:31-35 When the Lord saw that Leah was not loved, he enabled her to conceive, but Rachel remained childless. 32 Leah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Reuben, for she said, ‘It is because the Lord has seen my misery. Surely my husband will love me now.’

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33 She conceived again, and when she gave birth to a son she said, ‘Because the Lord heard that I am not loved, he gave me this one too.’ So she named him Simeon.

Again she conceived, and when she gave birth to a son she said, ‘Now at last my husband will become attached to me, because I have borne him three sons.’ So he was named Levi.

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She conceived again, and when she gave birth to a son she said, ‘This time I will praise the Lord.’ So she named him Judah. Then she stopped having children.

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WHERE’S MY VALUE? She conceived again, and when she gave birth to a son she said, “This time I will praise the Lord” (GENESIS 29:35).

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any of us work out how we feel about ourselves from what we see on our social media. How many likes or double taps are we getting? Who’s reacted to our selfie? How busy is our feed? It can be on our minds all day as we try to work out how much people like us from what’s happening online.

Humans have needed value and love since the beginning. In Genesis 29, Leah understandably wanted to be loved by her husband Jacob. Her need is shown in the names she gave to her first three sons—all describing her loneliness (VV.31-34). But, sadly, it doesn’t look like Jacob ever gave her the love she looked for.

With the birth of her fourth child, Leah turned to God instead of her husband, naming her fourth son Judah, which means, “This time I will praise the L ord” (V.35).

And Judah became part of Jesus’ family tree. Leah chose to find her value in God, and she became part of His story of salvation!

We can try to find meaning and significance in many ways and many different things, but only Jesus gives us our identity: children of God. We are “co-heirs with Christ” (ROMANS 8:17) and everyone else who will live with our heavenly Father forever. As Paul reminds us, nothing in this world can ever compare with the “surpassing worth of knowing Christ” (PHILIPPIANS 3:8).

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Thinking it over . . .

Where do you find meaning and value? What would it look like for you to find your identity in Jesus, and not in what your friends or classmates say about you?

SEE WHAT GREAT LOVE THE FATHER HAS LAVISHED ON US, THAT WE SHOULD BE CALLED CHILDREN OF GOD! 1 JOHN 3:1

1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

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Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not treat prophecies with contempt 21 but test them all; hold on to what is good, 22 reject every kind of evil.

May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.

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ALWAYS ON MY PHONE Pray continually (1 THESSALONIANS 5:17).

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ne of the great things about smartphones is that we can message or talk to our friends whenever we like. But being able to message, play games or check Instagram 24/7 isn’t always a good thing. Many people use their phones when they should be concentrating on something else, like crossing the road or what their teacher is saying. Sometimes being distracted by our phones can make us miss out on something important.

While it is a good idea to make sure we limit how much we are on our phones, there is another kind of communication that has no restrictions: prayer. God wants us to call on Him whether we are coming, going or sitting still. In the New Testament, Paul encourages us to “pray continually” (1 THESSALONIANS 5:17). Paul doesn’t only tell us that we can talk to God anytime, He also tells us to “rejoice always” (V.16) and to “give thanks in all circumstances” (V.18). God wants us to experience joy and thanksgiving—both of which will come from lifestyles which are focused on prayer.

God is always there for a quick cry or for a lengthy chat. He wants us to come and know Him every day, sharing our ups, downs, needs, questions and problems (HEBREWS 4:15-16). God is with us and listening 24/7.

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What I’m thankful for . . .

I’m thankful, Father, that You want to hear from me. I need You today.

I CALL OUT TO THE Lord, AND HE ANSWERS ME FROM HIS HOLY MOUNTAIN. PSALM 3:4

Romans 6:5-14 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin—7 because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.

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8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. 10 The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. 11 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. 12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. 13 Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness.

14 For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.

ENJOYMENT OR ADDICTION? “I have the right to do anything,” you say . . . but I will not be mastered by anything (1 CORINTHIANS 6:12).

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ow many hours a week do you spend on your phone? How many of those hours are just all about Instagram? And when does enjoyment of these things become addiction? When does it become too many hours?

I guess good and bad aren’t really measured in hours anyway. It’s not about how long we spend on our phones, but why we spend so much time on them. One guy recently explained: “When we keep doing something even though it’s bad for us, it generally shows we’re addicted.” Is there anything in your life that meets that description? Does your Instagram account make you feel rubbish as you compare yourself with others? Yet you just can’t help but keep going back to it . . .

Paul warned about excusing what we do (especially if it’s bad for us) as just enjoyment, saying, “ ‘I have the right to do anything,’ you say . . . but I will not be mastered by anything” (1 CORINTHIANS 6:12). His words can guide us as we look at the grey areas in our lives, like our phones. Using our phones is absolutely fine; as are our social media accounts. But being “mastered” or controlled by them is not.

It takes humility to admit that our enjoyment of anything has become an addiction.

But if you realise the online world is taking over, talk to God about it—and share it with someone in your church. Don’t just let it get worse; now is the time to act. DM

Thinking it over . . .

Proverbs says, “A wise person is hungry for knowledge, while the fool feeds on [rubbish]” (PROVERBS 15:14 NLT). Do we check our social networks constantly throughout the day?

What does that say about the things that we’re “hungry” for? Do the things we read or view online help us live for God (VV.16-21) or are we just feeding on rubbish?

IT IS FOR FREEDOM THAT CHRIST HAS SET US FREE. GALATIANS 5:1

John 21:15-25 15

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?’

‘Yes, Lord,’ he said, ‘you know that I love you.’

Jesus said, ‘Feed my lambs.’

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Again Jesus said, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’

He answered, ‘Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.’

Jesus said, ‘Take care of my sheep.’

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The third time he said to him, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’

Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’

He said, ‘Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.’

Jesus said, ‘Feed my sheep. 18 Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.’ 19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, ‘Follow me!’

20 Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, ‘Lord, who is going to betray you?’) 21 When Peter saw him, he asked, ‘Lord, what about him?’

Jesus answered, ‘If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.’ 23 Because of this, the rumour spread among the believers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, ‘If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?’

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This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true.

25 Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.

NO COMPARISON A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones (PROVERBS 14:30).

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ne of these days I’m going to put it all on Instagram—not just the good stuff!”

My friend Sue’s comment made me laugh out loud. But it also made me think. Social media can be a good thing, helping us hang out with our friends more and enjoy loads of cool stuff. But if we’re not careful, it can also fill our heads with an unrealistic view of what life should be like.

Most of the things posted online are just the ‘highlights’ of life; they are not the full picture. And when we look at these amazing pictures and read comments about how great everything is, we can be misled into thinking everyone else’s lives are without trouble, and wonder where we’ve gone wrong.

Comparing ourselves with others will only lead to unhappiness. When Jesus’ friends compared themselves to each other (SEE LUKE 9:46; 22:24), Jesus quickly called them out on it. Soon after His resurrection, Jesus told Peter how he would suffer for his faith. Peter then pointed to John and asked Jesus, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me” (JOHN 21:21-22).

Jesus pointed Peter to the best answer for unhealthy comparisons. When our minds are focused on God and all He has done for us, everything else (and everyone else) falls into the right place in our lives. We will long to follow Him, without worrying about what others are doing. Instead of the stress of competing online, He gives us His peace and security. Nothing can compare with Him. JB

Thinking it over . . .

How has focusing on God in thankfulness helped you to view social media in a more balanced way?

WHEN THEY MEASURE THEMSELVES BY THEMSELVES AND COMPARE THEMSELVES WITH THEMSELVES, THEY ARE NOT WISE. 2 CORINTHIANS 10:12

Ephesians 4:25-5:2 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbour, for we are all members of one body.

26 ‘In your anger do not sin’: do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.

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29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

5 1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

LIFE OF LOVE Live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us (EPHESIANS 4:2).

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o “live a life of love” (EPHESIANS 5:2) means that we’re always doing little acts of kindness that can make life better for others.

One way to do this takes hardly any time, but can make a big difference in someone’s day. Posting something on a friend’s social media, for example. A post, text or tweet takes seconds—but, if our message comes from “a life of love”, it will brighten their day.

How do you use social media? Is it for showing how great your life is? Is it for ‘stalking’ your friends and checking they’re not having more fun than you? What about using your social media as another place to show God’s incredible, sacrificial love? Maybe you could send a message today to tell a friend you’re praying for them, to encourage someone who’s struggling or just to let them know you’re thinking of them. Whatever you do, let’s make the love and care of Jesus show through our online feeds.

It’s easy to think we don’t have the time—or that our words don’t really matter. The opposite is true! Just as you’re looking up other people’s photos and posts, they are doing the same to you. So when you’re online today, see if you can make Jesus the centre of your social media.

Can you think of anyone who needs someone looking out for them? Is there anyone you want to thank today? Who are you praying for at the moment? “Live a life of love” and send them a message!

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What I’m thankful for . . .

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your wonderful love for me. I pray that others may see Your love in my messages and posts today.

BY THIS EVERYONE WILL KNOW THAT YOU ARE MY DISCIPLES, IF YOU LOVE ONE ANOTHER. JOHN 13:35

FOCUS ARTICLE

I’M NOT WHO YOU SEE ON INSTAGRAM O

ne square photo. One little box under our thumb that we scroll through daily. That’s all it takes for us to form an opinion about someone or something.

These little squares are taken under the right light, edited with the best tools and filters, and posted with witty and well-thought-out captions. They tell us who’s up to what, who’s hanging out with who and who’s gone to the new place in town. We look at them when we’re bored, when we’re travelling to school and when we’re hanging out with our friends.

We see them and it sparks something inside of us. On some days, it’s envy, because we wish we were doing this or going there, just like our friends. Other days, it’s stress, because our lives don’t seem to be matching up to the ones we see online.

But we forget that while these photos are of real people and events, they do not fully reflect reality. Rather, they’re more like a highlight reel. I’d say that many of us #doitforthegram more often than we’d like to admit.

So I can say it, as I’m sure many others can: I’m not who you see on Instagram.

I think through my captions. I insert and delete words. I try to pick just the right photo to go along with what I want to say. I take time to decide what to say and how to say it.

Although my goal for my Instagram account is to inspire, encourage and love people, I can’t say that I am happy and enthusiastic all the time. According to my Instagram feed, I may look like I have it somewhat together. I have great friends to go with on weekend adventures, new places to explore and a great brother and sister-in-law who I spend a lot of my time hanging out and laughing with. And I can strike a yoga bridge pose on a paddleboard without effort!

But if you really knew me, you’d know the truth is somewhat different. Sure, my feed is full of actual events and shows how I try to live each day. But it does not reflect my every waking moment.

I have my struggles and doubts. My cheerful persona online doesn’t mean there aren’t days when I grow impatient waiting because I can’t figure out what God wants me to do or where He wants me to be. I have my stressful days as well as days when I’m super pumped and expectant, knowing that God is working behind the scenes in my life. There are times when I question whether what I have to say is even making a difference, and times when I get to witness how what I’ve said has encouraged someone else.

Social media has a way of making it seem like everyone has their stuff together and their life is flawless. Don’t get caught up believing those lies. Don’t start comparing yourself to others. Just because we don’t see the bad days and struggles of these people doesn’t mean they don’t exist.

Next time you find yourself wishing your life were like so-and-so’s, remember that you are where God meant you to be. You are loved. You don’t need filters to make yourself look more appealing so others will like you more.

Instead, enjoy being yourself, your looks and your quirks. Laugh at yourself. Ask people questions, be curious in a world that is more focused on communicating behind a screen. Be yourself without apology in a world that tries to tell you who you should be. Love the unlovable, forgive the unforgivable, take a chance and know that God has your back. Most importantly, be the person God has called you to be—fully and without fear.

The number of double taps and followers we get do not define who we are or how much we are worth. We’re so much more than a tiny square photo.

So, no, I’m not who you see on Instagram. I’m so much more, as you are. I laugh, I cry, I freak out, I get excited, I stress out about silly things. I think I have it all figured out, then I stumble, laugh and keep chugging along when I realise God has other plans for my life.

What you see on Instagram is part of who I am, but behind every photo, behind every social media account, there’s an author with a valuable life and an incredible story. There are emotions, passions, hopes and dreams, and all that we are cannot be minimised to fit into a social media platform, for we are so much more than that.

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