It is that time of year when churches send out annual giving statements for you to use in your tax filings.
This is also a great time for self-evaluation in a very important area of spiritual growth (Matt. 6:24). It’s not often that we get such a tangible way to measure our priorities.
Facebook by its design is more of a highlight reel than a documentary. Most people only post the best and it’s easy to think that someone else’s life is perfect.
Worse, it’s even easier to feel like a loser and like you’ll never catch up. Facebook makes it seem like everyone else is living a Disney story except you. The reality is everyone has a cross to bear. If you aren’t careful these feelings can quickly turn to envy. Here is a great test to see if you suffer with envy on Facebook: Have you ever withheld a “like” from a post?
When do we go overboard with posting pictures or comments about ourselves and become braggarts? How much sharing about myself, my family, and my interests is too much? When do people looking at my timeline start saying, “Wow, this guy really loves himself.” Or, “This guy is his own #1 fan!” I’m not sure there is a hard line to cross, but we all know when someone has crossed it.
Maybe you’re saying, “What’s the big deal about bragging?” I mean, it’s not bragging if it’s true, right? If I really am that good, then I’m just telling the truth. Maybe so but you’re alienating friends in the process. You also can appear insecure like you are trolling for compliments.
One thing I’ve noticed on FB is how often people complain. (And I would like to take a minute and complain about that.) People who complain on FB complain in life too. Your FB status can be a reflection of the status of your heart.
It’s easy to slip into a mode of complaining. It’s not hard to just concentrate on the negative like: How you do all the work and get none of the credit, how it is so stinking cold, gas prices, or poor customer service. I’ve even been wanting to complain about something on FB that has been driving me crazy…pot holes…I’ve even thought of a clever status update like: Colorado has gone to pot and New York has gone to pot holes. (You know that’s good!)
Somewhere along the way a belief has emerged that social media is an effective means of persuasion, especially with hot button issues. At the very least if the platform doesn’t change a mind the user has “taken a stand” in the public square.
More often than not we need to keep the point to ourself to truly make a difference. I recognize that it is so much easier to make a point, shoot–it can even be more fun to use one liners and to share memes. But telling someone they’re wrong is not the same as leading them or inspiring them to do what’s right. (To quote Andy Stanley)
Have you ever cringed when you read something on Facebook? Have you ever felt embarrassed for someone based on what they posted (think workout selfies…what they had for breakfast…a political rant)?
The most dangerous phrase on Facebook is written in the status bar: “What’s on your mind?”
Being a pastor, I have to do a significant amount of reading every year. A pastor needs to stay on top of current events, trends, and popular culture. Then there is the scholarly research needed to understand and teach on the historical, literary, theological, and contextual analysis of particular Biblical passages. It is essential for pastors who are responsible for vision, leading, and teaching to also read things that will help them bring the most glory to God within those tasks.
After reading hundreds of books it is clear that there truly isn’t much new under the sun…but that’s okay. It’s important to be reminded of certain truths regularly.
My family and I would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas!!! We love you dearly!
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.
-Luke 2:11 (NIV)
One simple text can gauge how well you are doing using your words to encourage others. Go ahead grab your phone and I want you to think of 3 people that are your close friends. Got the names in your mind? Okay I want you to send them a txt. Not just any text but a specific one…word for word I want you to copy this and send it to them. Don’t delete any of it…especially the last sentence.
Where would you be today if someone had spoken into the insecurities you wrestled with as a child?
Would the things that you struggle with now still be holding you back? I bet with some guidance from a healthy adult it would have helped shaped the way you viewed yourself and given you a healthier perspective. Would you be further along because of the time you had to spend wrestling those insecurities to the ground?
