The Tension

I've begun to suspect that facebook/twitter/social media in general
is in danger of becoming the current "street corner" of Matthew 6. 
Jesus said, "Beware."  And I'm trying to discern and adjust my behavior accordingly.
This is how I responded in declining to participate in yet ANOTHER facebook "challenge" recently. 
Sometimes I feel like such a grinch.

It's a hard issue for me.  I have Facebook and Twitter accounts; a Pinterest board, too.  I've blogged for many years now.  I find it to be a creative outlet as well as a pictorial journal of sorts.  I've been challenged, inspired, corrected and instructed by reading the posts and comments of other people. I've made some wonderful friends.

On the other hand, I'm increasingly aware of a certain tension--perhaps a healthy one.   For me, the tension consists of temptations to compare myself with others either negatively or positively, occasionally to present myself in an unrealistically favorable or unfavorable light, and at times to judge other people -- again either favorably or unfavorably.

(I don't know if that makes ANY sense to ANYone...)
There ARE times, Jesus said, to let our lights shine before others so they may see our good works and give glory to our Father (Matthew 5:16).  But I can't escape his words just a few paragraphs later:  "Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be see by them..." (Matthew 6:1ff).

Last night I hear a radio preacher say something to this effect (I was too groggy to get this transcribed word for word OR to know who was speaking):  When you most feel like hiding, that's the time to let your light shine.  When you feel most like shining, that's the time to hide.   

I'm going to GO with that.  
It seems to be consistent with Jesus' intent. 
I suspect I'll continue to experience the tension as long as I'm present on social media. 


14 comments:

  1. Hi Rebecca! I can relate to your feelings about comparisons. I think we all do it, whether we really want to or not. It takes a lot of strength sometimes to remember that I am enough.
    I like the quote from your radio preacher. Sounds like a perfect recipe for humility!
    Nice to meet you :)
    Ceil

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  2. Everything in moderation. I don't blog nearly as much as I used to and it feels good. I used to think I just HAD to have a post up a couple of times a week. I don't now. I try to check friends' blogs every day or so and I give myself about twenty minutes every couple of days on Pinterest. Facebook is just a quick look around and I am off again. It depresses me to see how my younger relatives have chosen to live apart from God. I hope you can just enjoy your internet time and not feel guilty about it. Life is too short. And I like that quote from the preacher.
    Have a lovely rest of the week, sweet friend.

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  3. I feel exactly the same way Rebecca. I pray each day for gods light to shine through me...for those who read my blog or my FB posts to see Him and not me. There are many who comment or like a comment on FB that do not serve or understand the ways of the Lord. The fact they keep coming back keeps me inspired to keep sharing. I appreciate when you add a scripture to one of my thoughts...:) It is reinforcement to me that i am thinking correctly and also reinforcement to those reading.

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  4. Some of your concerns were what led me to leave FB. I found myself being way too judgmental. :( As for blogging....please don't give that up....you are an inspiration!!

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    Replies
    1. No plans to quit, Debbie. Just feeling the "tension" a bit and needing to address it.
      Th

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  5. I agree with you--this is a hard issue. I try to see SM as tools to connect, help, inspire, and present Jesus to others. But nothing is perfect.

    Thanks for making us think!
    Jen

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    1. Great objectives, Jeanette! Twitter I use selfishly - more like a "file drawer" for quotes & succinct food for thought. Facebook and one of my blogs falls into the categories you mentioned-connect, help, inspire, present Jesus.

      And you're right. Nothing is perfect. I tend to overthink some things. Have you noticed? :)

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  6. You know where I stand on that! I suspended my Pinterest and FB accounts. I just felt I was not being a good steward of the time I've been given. I still check Twitter and I still blog, but not as much as in the past. Being 'in the world and not of the world' is a complicated dance... Especially when I have a tendency to WANT to lead. Amazingly, I am still learning.

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    1. "complicated dance" and a "tendency to WANT to lead" are both concepts I identify strongly with. I Pinterest very little - it's primarily a picture file for me. I think FB is where most of my angst lies.

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  7. Very very interesting blog that makes me think!
    thank you so much
    freddy

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  8. Going on this advice, I suppose it's my time to shine, but really I just want to "go in" and stay there. It's a curious season I'm walking through. The more I'm out in the world, the less I need to be in the cyber one. Trying to find my balance ... again. Have a great week, friend. Blessings and peace~elaine

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    Replies
    1. You ARE shining--no matter which "world" you're in :)

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Writing a Song a Week #3

Writing a Song a Week #3
♪ I wait for the Lord; my soul waits and in his word I hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning ♪ (Psalm 130:5-6)