Social Media Break

Theodore Roosevelt – “Comparison is the thief of joy.”

2 Corinthians 10:12,18

12 We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise. 18 For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.

Sometimes we can be so stubborn, can’t we? I’d really been feeling like I should take a break from social media for months. You know how it can be though. You don’t want to miss anyone’s birthday, or any news, or exciting happenings. So you find yourself scrolling through the news feed and before you know it, you’ve wasted 45 minutes or more getting “caught up” on your “friends” lives. Maybe most of your social media friends are your real friends. But if I’m honest, mine aren’t. Yes, there are a few who I know would have my back, pray for me, and actually care about me. But then there are the rest. Some are acquaintances, some are just people who sent me a friend request, some are surveillance cameras, some are nosy, even fake friends, and there’s everything in between. I don’t know about you, but I don’t care enough about staying up on everyone’s lives to keep investing that much time on social media anymore. 

I also made an interesting discovery. I noticed I feel worse after spending time on social media. Sometimes I feel just kinda generally down after scrolling. Other times I feel a short lived, “I’ve caught up let me check off that box feeling.” Other times, I feel actually hurt when my “friends” ignore me and constantly “like” other friends’ posts.

I know. Something so small and unimportant should not make me feel bad, but it does. So, I’ve made the very intentional, hopefully best for me decision to get off of social media for a while. It may be permanent, who knows. So what if I miss out on some “important” news. If someone is actually my friend, they will reach out to contact me. If I’m wanting to check up on a friend, I’ll contact them directly. This will not be a popular statement, but I’m sick of the social media craze. Humans need actual real life interactions, not some fake imitation and definitely not the fake friends. 

I’m so much happier when I’m investing time in my family members, the little kids and families I’m blessed to work with on my job, and interacting with those the Lord brings across my path in one way or another. I’m thankful for the contentment and joy found when I listen to the Holy Spirit. Especially when I listen to and follow through with his gentle nudges. I love how He patiently loves us even when we are a little stubborn.

Blessings.

Your friend,

Tiffany