Friday, October 30, 2015

Social Media Acceptance

Social Media Acceptance
Hi everyone! With the endeavor to post less outfit related posts, and more writings of encouragement and life situations, I'm going to be writing on a topic I hope you'll think about whether on either side of the water. Is your ego being boosted by others on social media without you realizing it? The only acceptance we should yearn for is that of our Father, not mortal man.

My job is not to change your mind, make you upset, or give you a conviction, but make you think about what you do/think. Same for you to me; we're to hold each other accountable, judge righteously, and watch out for others. Simple as that.

A passage comes to mind when I think about the world and some of whats happening in it today.

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;  2 Timothy 3:1-4

Regardless of if we're in the end times or not, (the context of this verse comes from the thought of these things coming to pass during this time) one cannot deny that the things mentioned above are seen of much today. Specifically let's consider the ones I've added in in bold to our topic for this post.

When a person, on social media (i.e. Flickr, Instagram, Snapchat, Viber) "likes" something you've said or posted, should we really have that  small thrill run down our backs? That feeling of acceptance by another human being? If your answer is "its okay" or "whatever", then lets look back on the verse above, it says "lovers of themselves, covetous, boasters, and proud people" will be known throughout the land when we near the Second Coming. Sounds like we need to be weary of this and answer this question with a  big "no". We shouldn't be getting excited when our post gets to a certain number of likes, people tell us how cute we are, or leave a row of emojis under our posts. Why? Because we are called not to conform to something in hopes of being accepted by others.

But how can we do this? Especially when its so easy to just think that its "neat" that X amount of people all liked my something; how can we find this balance and more importantly, how can we not get caught up in this thought?

I've come to realize I even have that expectation now that just about anything I post on Instagram will get at least 50 "likes". Is this being expectant on the approval of people? I'd say it is, even if its in this small way, we all do in one way or another strive for acceptance of something or someone. While not in every situation this is horribly bad, we know as Believers that this is not right nor is it to be expected as we walk out our lives for YHWH; to conform in any way or have it easy with people because of our belief. The Bible says this about these two things:

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 1 Peter 4:13

Our acceptance and completeness will always and only be whole when its through our Messiah. This is probably already a given for those of you reading this, but save I not seen those in my own circle being overly wooed by likes and asking for followers themselves, I wouldn't be posting this to begin with. Even just this week a friend of mine was taken aback by a friend of her's getting upset over the fact that she hadn't commented on her last IG post! 
 
Though this behavior is most understandable for those who are not Believers, (they are still in search of that wholeness we find in Christ) we who are more steady in not giving way to anxiety or depression can also benefit from hearing the reminder to have patience with others who have trouble dealing with this even if they are a Believer in Christ. 

Our lives as Believers are not about winning a popularity contest! Instead of getting caught up in things that will for one, only be popular for a short time, and two, soon pass away (And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: 1 John 2:17) lets try our best to be real with people. Not just try to get "like" out of them or a sweet comment, but really get to know them if you truly care. 

There's nothing wrong with finding joy in knowing someone shares a same interest as you, likes the things you do, or obviously saying something sweet from the heart. Just make sure that when you're receiving back from it when it's given to you is not acceptance in people when it should only be found in the One who gave it all. 


Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
John 15:13

Blessings in Him,
Cassie

the elder sister & writer 


8 comments:

  1. Great post and good food for thought, two thumbs up!... no wait... um, never mind. ;-)

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    1. Hahah! Well thanks anyways! ;)

      Glad you stopped by to read it for me!

      Much love,
      Cassie

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  2. Wow! Thank you, Cassie! This was well-written and very thought-provoking.

    Emily

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    1. Hello Emily! Thank you very much for your comment! I'm very blessed to know that this post was of help to you. :)

      Blessings,
      Cassie
      the elder sister & writer

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  3. I would not be very honest if I said that I have not been guilty of seeking approval on social media. Oftentimes, I do get down and depressed at seeing the on Instagram "having the time of their lives" and looking at what appears to be a "perfect" and problem free life. It is really the way these social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are designed. They are designed for us to sit alone somewhere and compare various elements of our lives to those of others and it does inspire jealousy and covetousness. As sad it is to say, the majority of people on these social media sites suffer from depression and anxiety and often times jump online seeking validation but all it really does is get them angry, melancholic or makes them feel inferior all the more. However, what should really matter is what God thinks of us and like you said, our acceptance should come from our Lord, especially with we are believers. This was a post that was very much needed, I appreciate the work put into these posts.

    Stay blessed my friend.

    - Leeon Andrew


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  4. Very well done, Cassie! (Not to make you proud or anything! lol) That was the theme of this anyway! ;D

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  5. Wonderful post. As you know, i completely agree. We need to be mindful in all things and seek approval from Yah above all else. Interesting that you wrote this post and i made that video exactly one month apart.

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  6. Agreed!
    -your social media friend, Luba 😛

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