What good are we to God if we allow ourselves to be dumbed down, weakened, and divided? How can we be a strong nation if we are suffering from an addiction to a system of external gratification, constantly checking to see who “liked” what we posted or how many people “follow” us? We look to see how many others share our opinions and perspectives so that we can feel more confident about what we believe is right. Meanwhile, as we check our stats to measure our worth according to social media, our country is tearing itself apart, each side trying to prove how right they are—neither speaking Truth in Love.
How can we be a strong nation if we are suffering from an addiction to a system of external gratification, constantly checking to see who “liked” what we posted or how many people “follow” us?
Headlines, hot takes, debates, fights, war, hate, and fear are the tools that social media uses to keep users excited and engaged, eagerly awaiting the latest update in this week's battle between “who's the most relevant” and “who’s trending the most.” There is no Truth in the business of keeping
people entertained and engaged.
The Truth would turn the hearts of parents to their children and the hearts of children to their parents, and this formula leaves social media out of the equation. Instead, social media has entire families sitting in the same room, millions of miles apart, each member in their own world. The whole country is suffering from this separation, more divided than ever, and we are so hooked that we can’t even cut off the platforms without going through withdrawal.
Are we really going to settle for a system that, through division and tribalism, has brought us to the brink of a second civil war? All because it helps us keep in touch with our high school friends and is useful for organizing events? If you said yes, you are among the majority of people who are willing to overlook the damage social media is doing to our minds, bodies, spirits, and sanity for the sake of the good it provides. To that majority, I wish to offer a better way.
Community is greater than social media. Real conversations are more valuable than a series of comments on a post. The support of a community showing up for you is more valuable than a couple dozen likes from people who have no clue what’s really going on in your life. An inspirational video you stumbled across while scrolling doesn’t come close to the prayers of a community that lifts you up after you’ve stumbled or calls you back into the light when things get dark. It takes commitment, it requires showing up and being a part, and its rewards are real and tangible, translating into real-life accomplishments. I say keep your likes, followers, and views, and let’s opt into building a real community of God’s people instead, where we put the Truth first.
If you’re ready to make the switch, let's all recommit to the freedom in Christ that comes when we put down the social media platforms and pick up the practice of coming together as the Body of Christ regularly for the purposes of our Father in heaven. Not just worship on Sunday or Saturday, but to build and establish His Kingdom on Earth with the time that we specifically choose to set aside to serve God’s purposes and be the Body of Christ. If we aren’t intentional with our time and we continue to allow the most precious gift we all have—our life—to slip away in the direction of whatever is demanding our attention, we will fail to live up to the calling that God has placed on each of our lives. Let’s start by getting together this Tuesday at 6 p.m. to read the Word and be a brotherhood in Christ.
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