Social media is a great tool to connect with others when used right and in healthy doses, however can often be misused as a means for validation and to fulfill our need to be seen. 

Is social media good? Is it all bad? How can we balance its place in our lives? These are all questions we must ask ourselves and stay cognizant of as we navigate the presence of social media in our lives.‍

When I first joined Facebook it was because I wanted the attention of a boy. I was a senior in high school and it was what all the college students were doing. I wanted him to think I was cool and pay attention to me. 

‍Likewise, 16 years later I find myself on social media trying to leverage it to get attention. However, over the last 16 years God has refined and reframed my perspective on how to use this tool. 

‍I am no longer trying to get attention for the sake of attention. I am working to grow a meaningful following of people who can benefit from the knowledge I have in the field that I work.

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Why are you using social media?

‍“Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults—unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Don’t condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you’ll find life a lot easier. Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity.” - Luke 6:37-38 MSG 

‍In order to reframe our minds around the goodness that social media can bring we must first know why we are using it. Once we are clear on why we are using it, we can set the necessary parameters to ensure this tool is not used against us.

‍In this way we must be willing to look at ourselves. How we reflect on our own use will inform how we view how others use it. It is only when we are able to not pick on ourselves, jump on our failures, and criticize our faults that we can extend that same courtesy to others. 

‍This can be a difficult task in a world that highlights perfection and oftentimes meaningless content as the standard. However, when we are able to be intentional and kind with ourselves we can then share content with others and be a blessing in their lives. Thus making our relationship with social media a positive interaction and not a spirit depleting endeavor.

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How can we be mindful about social media?

Have you thought about why you use social media? Is it for business? Is it to stay in touch with family? Is it to share more about God and the gospel?

‍Whatever your reason is we must ensure that we are cultivating intentionality in our use of this tool. The moment we lose our focus on why we are using it is the moment we let the enemy lead us down the rabbit hole of self doubt, shaming, and any number of negative spaces he wants to take off the path God has for us. 

‍“All who are prudent act with knowledge, but fools expose their folly.”- Proverbs 3:16 NIV 

‍Take a look at your social media accounts today. Write out what your intentions are for having the accounts. Set your intentions and take these into consideration each time you use them.

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