I love Pinterest! I have a handful of nourishing blogs I add to my free-time list during the week, and I have facebook for my friends, family, and my e-book. ( Have you seen my new book, by the way?)
How about you? Do you have social interests in this on-line world we live in? We can gather recipes, decorating ideas, order our groceries, books, and keep up with family and friends – all on-line. And quiet easily I might add.
Recently, I discovered a heart-reaction I had to another blogger’s actions, and it caught me surprise. I have been praying about this, and seeking wisdom as to where this reaction came from, and why?
The answer God revealed to me: Idols of the Social Heart
Think about this with me? While we are reading blogs and scouring the web for home school helps, or leaving comments on sites to encourage or leave input, we are leaving part of us right there in those places. What do I mean? I know when people read a post I have written and leave a comment or write me an email, they are immediately engaged in an on-line friendship/conversation. Sometimes, this is reciprocated with a response. Sometimes, not.
Perhaps you have felt shafted, or” put-out” by a non-response, or the tone of another site? Maybe you find yourself spending more time in front of your browsers ( phone, computer, IPad, etc.) than with your children, or calming the chaos around you?
Idols can slowly creep into our lives. Doesn’t God’s Word warn us not to be held captive?
I write this post to encourage all of us to stay on guard for the time, reactions, and personal impact that Social Media is having on our lives.
Remember the person that we follow on Pinterest, or their books, or web sites, has struggles, personal trials, and lives to live out – just like us. Let us be an encouragement to one another – Just as would be face to face. ON-line people have real-people lives. We can try to not set them up on a pedestal of perfection.
Five Social Idol Break-Ups :
1. Evaluate your on-line time and put your computer or phone where you are less likely to turn to in moments of stress or free time.
2. Limit your social interactions. Define which blogs and why you will visit and when. Are they ALL necessary?
3. Stop expecting social media friends to return any favors you may feel you have done for them. Do you expect more from an on-line friend than you would from someone in person?
4. Be Kind .. On-Line. For some reason, there is often a disconnect between our minds and the computer screen. People think, write and say whatever they feel like saying, without taking their thoughts captive, or giving grace. The key-pad is not a free ride to freedom of expression in God’s eyes.
5.Guard your heart. Taking the on-line world so seriously that we are affected deeply enough to be upset, angry or swayed in the amount to time we think and dwell upon those things that we read or have put before us – is an IDOL. Cast them down.
What are your thoughts on this? Do you have blogs, web-sites, and interests that help educate you, keep you informed, decorate your home, or become a better mom? Great! Me too! Balance.
Have you discovered social media to be an idol sometimes?
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