Some time ago a friend said to me, “Do you ever have a bad day?” I laughed. Of course, we all have bad days. When I inquired as to why he would ask such a question he said that my social media posts always seemed to be very positive.
He was right. I have purposefully not announced struggles and stresses on social media. In fact, I promised God that I would not use it for that reason.
Too often social media is used as an outlet for the flesh. It is a convenient way to “vent” and complain. Perhaps we do so because it fosters pity. The flesh likes pity.
Words matter…even words on social media. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue…” (Proverbs 18:21).
Social media can be used for many good purposes. It is a tool that can be used to evangelize and to encourage. Here is how NOT to use social media: avoid giving the world, the flesh, and the devil the victory. Major on the Lord. Point others to Him.
When you are having a hard day, remember these truths:
- God gives more good days than bad. In reality, every day we are not in hell is a good day.
- We must see the good even in evil days. God is good. All the time. One of Satan’s primary objectives is to get us to question the goodness of God. Refuse to allow yourself to become a mouthpiece for the enemies message!
- Believers should speak more about God’s goodness than their bad circumstances. “Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honour all the day” (Psalm 71:8).
- When we have a complaint we should take it to God. That is what the Psalmist often did! “I poured out my complaint before him; I showed before him my trouble” (Psalm 142:2). Turn your complaint into prayer. The Lord is the only one who can do anything about your situation.
From time to time I may post a prayer request or need. I only want to do that if I believe it will glorify God and edify others. Yes, we all have bad days. No, everybody doesn’t need to hear about it.
The one thing everyone needs to hear every day is this – God is good.
Great thoughts! God is good all the time! I am glad that you are using social media for something positive and uplifting! Thanks for staying faithful! God bless!
Thank you friend! Hope all is well in Germany. God bless you.
Thanks Scott for such a needy post. Why tell everyone about our wounds? Why pick at it? Elaborating on social media only makes things worse.
Your smile and His goodness is what inspires us.
Thanks for your thoughts. Appreciate you all!
Thank you!
Amen.
Dittos!
Let me throw out a question, does this unintentionally feed into the idea that people are fake on social media? When all people see is only people posting thier best images it may give the mistaken idea that everyone has a better life than I do thus encouraging me to do the same hoping others think I have it altogether when things are falling apart?
Thanks for reading my ramblings and taking time to comment. Your question is a good one and something I have given a great deal of thought to personally. Without a doubt, social media allows people to set up an “alternate world” that is not real. I think the answer is not in posting about our goodness but about God’s. Posts about struggles can be just as motivated by pride as posts about accomplishments. Either way attention is being drawn to us instead of the Lord. The problem with social media is that people of all walks of life see them – not just spiritual people. In the end I think every one of our posts should be judged by what they will make others think of Jesus. Pray for me that I will follow that myself! God bless you all.
It has been advised to first term missionaries not have social media outside of family and close friends. .. A missionary who is away from home and have not yet adjusted has a difficult time seeing their life as a blessing when they are in the midst of their adjustment to the culture especially in a third world country.
When they see their friends from college, church, etc. going to Disney World and fun events while they are barely hanging on mentally. The social media only fosters their misery. Right or wrong
their discouragement is real and it is reality.
Once the Deaf church begins in Columbus I may use it for the blessing of what God is doing. I wrestle with this because I do see where people
use the social media for pride reasons.
However I know many Deaf get their news about events and happenings from the S.Media.
Praying for you Scott.
I like what you said “In reality, everyday we are not in hell is a good day.” What a truth!
We are all blessed. Hope you and the family are well!
Great point! Well taken. I’ve failed though- I’ve just seen too bad many things happened to my country to keep silent.
Your post does encourage me to do a better job of trying to keep the balance. Thanks!
I think that we have an obligation to cry out against wickedness while at the same time praising God. There is a joy and soberness to the Christian life. Only the Lord can help us keep that balance! Thanks for reading. God bless you.
Thanks for the encouragement. I pray for you all the time. Looking forward to seeing you again!
It is so good to hear from you! Thank you for your prayers. I hope you and your family are well. God bless you and the ministry there.