Bright lights on Social Media

Saturday, February 20, 2021

Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain. Philippians 2:14-16 (NKJV)

My husband often reminds me of my lateness in joining Facebook. I honestly didn't have time back in 2007-ish. I also wanted to be different than everyone else but ended up joining once I became a stay-at-home mother. 


Now that I'm there, I have seen all the stuff that made me hesitant to join. Lately, all I see is Christians complaining. Human beings can never be satisfied. There is always something to complain about. 


You are wondering why I am still on social media. What keeps me there is the fact that I love being connected with friends from all over the world. I also get a small platform to talk about the things I believe in.


if I'm going to be on social media, I need to be sure that I can offer someone a little hope, a little joy after they read (or watch) what I post. Complaining on social media seldom ends up in hope and joy. We are often furious when we read (or offer) the complaint. 


Today’s scripture reminds us that when we do all things without complaining, we shine as lights in the world. 


Jesus said in John 8:12 that whoever follows Him will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life (John 8:12).


I’m a long-distance runner who chooses to train in the early hours of the morning. I don’t recommend running in the darkness. Other falling and breaking multiple bones, incoming vehicles may hit you. I avoid all of that by carrying a bright light with me. 


The purpose of the light is to differentiate you from the darkness. When we complain, we are partnering with the darkness. The writer of Jude actually calls such people ungodly sinners (v.15-16). Christ is light. There is no darkness in Him. 


I see myself holding a flashlight when I'm on social media. I'm aware that according to Matthew 5 I am the light of the world. I am commanded to let my light shine before others so they see my good deeds and glorify my Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16).


As I use social media, I know it's not really about me. Whatever I do on social media serves the purpose of glorifying my Father in Heaven. I wonder if you ever considered offering your social media accounts in the service to the Lord Jesus. You can start by not complaining on social media. 


When we do that, we bring glory to God. We can choose to always encourage, always uplift. I believe that brings glory to God.


I always hope and pray that my behavior online mirrors the way my real life. I want to be an encourager, I aim to bring hope one post at a time.


My challenge for you today is to analyze your online activity. Are you acting like the light you are? Are you glorifying your Father in Heaven? The good news is that we all (starting with me) have room for improvement. Let's spend the rest of this challenge focused on showing others how amazing our Father in Heaven is in word and deed.


Prayer: Lord, help me to shine as a light in the world. Help my very words be your words of life. You are full of grace and truth. Instead of complaining on social media, give me words to uplift and encourage others. I ask you in Jesus’ name, Amen.