We all know social media can be really good and really bad. It has so much to offer but it also can take away from our joy. With so many avenues to share our lives, social media can force us into some strange places emotionally.
I often wonder if our always-connected, Pinterest-perfect ways are a detriment to our ability to find contentment. The continuous cycle of comparison has created an environment for some to actually resent “friends” for always being happy and presenting a “perfect life.” Shouldn’t we be desiring this for others?
Unhappy with happy?
I love to scroll my social media and see a feed full of great life moments. I love to stay connected with friends, family and acquaintances by sharing the things that bring me joy. I love to see happy people and I love for people to see my happy.
I don’t love to see drama or negativity. Gossip is fueled when we over share. It’s important to keep some parts of our lives private. The world won’t be tender with our struggles and vulnerabilities.
It should be safe to share life’s sweet moments, though. As we scroll, let’s be generous in throwing hearts and focus on our real hearts in the process.
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV
The Real Issue
Perhaps the bigger issue at hand is a feeling of insecurity or inferiority. Maybe the problem is that some people don’t want others to have what they want. Our human nature causes us to find significance and value by feeling “better” than someone else, so we look for flaws. When we don’t find any we feel worse about ourselves, then resent their happiness. Instead of looking to judge and criticize others, we should look to recognize our own blessings. God has hand picked them and they are a gift.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
Jeremiah 29:11
Is There Deception?
I think it is safe to assume that everyone has pain and we are all a little bit of a hot mess. Is anyone really trying to convince the world that they their life is perfect? Why would we share our bad moments? And who wants to see that anyway? Even in our times of struggle it’s important to share our joy as a reminder of what we have to be grateful for.
Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 3:12-14 ESV
Beware of the Eye Roll
We can all fall into the comparison trap. It can cause us to roll our eyes at a post, feel a twinge of jealousy or cause us to gossip. Look for the signs-the little thoughts that start to creep into your mind-then knock them down. Don’t feed them. Fight them. Search your soul to find the root of your feelings. Pray. Lets root for each other to have a blessed, joyful, “perfect” life. And share it ALL OVER social media.
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”
Ephesians 5:15-17 ESV