Social media is a curious thing. It’s intention was to be a source of universal connection and communication in order to create relationships and draw people closer together. Now let’s inspect this. What does social mean? According to Britannica, social is defined as “relating to or involving activities in which people spend time talking to each other or doing enjoyable things with each other”. Now, what does media mean? According to the same source, media is defined as “a particular form or system of communication”. Together, social media can be defined as “a system of communication by creating activities in which people can spend time talking or doing fun things with each other”. Social media was originally suppose to create relationships, but our current culture has changed the narrative on it. If you scan social media apps, would you say those apps reflect that of the true definition? My opinion may be minute, but hear me out. If you tend to get offended, please buckle your seat and ask God to calm your spirit because this may shake you. Social media, currently, is more about “me” broadcasting than about being social. We, as a society, are less looking for relationships and are more looking for adoration. By doing this, we are training ourselves in narcissistic behaviors. Now lets take a step back. I am not calling you a narcissist. What I am saying is, we are practicing and reinforcing the patterns and traits of narcissism. Sadly, a lot of us grew up in a generation where this was the norm, and some of us are still currently living in it. I know personally, I felt like if people were admiring something I posted, I felt like I had worth and meaning, like there was a purpose. The development of the narcissistic behavior is a tricky thing. I believe it all originates from our insecurities, the seed the devil plants. Then it grow over time and branches off to form its own branches. What we post on social media can usually be a reflection of the types of posts we get a lot of favoritism and admiration on, and less on the things we like and care about. Funny enough, that soon becomes us posting a lot about ourselves, and even praising/idolizing our own life. The cycle repeats over and over again, and your worth starts to be reliant on others. It’s sad…really.

But I have another opinion. Your worth is not measured by how others view you. That’s it. I know it may be redundant, as this is a common phrase, but it is true. You matter. Even in the darkest of times, you still matter. Humans will let you down time and time again, but God never fails. He says that you matter to Him even when others could care less. Matthew 6:25-34, more specifically verse 26, shows the care and adoration God has for you. “Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?” The culture of this world contradicts how God says for us to live. So why keep falling into the devils trap when you know God is for you? Step outside of the social norm culture and BE DIFFERENT. God calls us to stand out and to stand firm.

Now lets shift gears and talk about communication. Have you ever walked into a social gathering, anxious of not knowing anyone and feeling left out, but once you saw someone you knew, you immediately felt like you belonged, you felt better? I know I have. I don’t enjoy feeling like the odd one out, but once I see someone I know, I feel instantly better. There is power in a social presence, just being somewhere where you know someone. By just showing up, you can have a huge impact on someones life. Sometimes our lives can feel meaningless because we are focusing on everything we don’t have instead of everything we do have. By focusing on everything we don’t have, we miss everything we do have. We may not have everything we want, but we do have the presence of others and relationships with others. It is without question, you have an impact on the world. Now lets add the bit of social media. Sometimes the closest someone may get to God is you. How does your life reflect that? How does your social media reflect that? How does your character reflect the nature of God, who is love? We all sin, we all mess up, but what does that mean really? In the bible, the word for sin is “חטאה (khata)” which basically means to “miss the mark”, missing the mark of God. And if you think about it, if you believe your life is meaningless, you are missing the mark because God says you have meaning. He gives you purpose. Paul says in Ephesians 4:23-32, “Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God – truly righteous and holy. So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil. If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” You are His own, through Christ you are saved. Let your lives be a reflection of Gods glory and his grace. Live your life free from offense and free from your worth coming from others. Share your lives, build relationships, build a community that worships God. Don’t get consumed in idolizing the very thing that takes you away from your Abba. Use what the devil had for evil and turn it into glorifying the Lord.

I hope this got across to you, and are able to reflect on what I had said. What you do, matters, and what you say, matters. Words mean things and actions carry those things out. They have the power of life and death. You are much loved by the one who made you. He had plans for you since before you were born. Don’t stop now, keep pushing forward.

Must respect,

Emily