Disclaimer: This is a blog that is mainly directed to my Christian brothers and sisters.
It's true! I'm over social media. Yes, I've said this many times, but as my kids grow older I can't help but think that social media is something I want to protect them from desperately. Not only does it become a distraction, time sucker and an addiction but there is so many more things going on not being talked about. I have noticed it to be more and more negative, more and more inappropriate and a place that is perfect for passive aggressiveness. Besides that, the inappropriate things you see friends "share" or "like" is something that is not desirable to me, even if I choose to scroll past it or click on "I don't want to see this." The truth is, many don't care about the audience they have on their friends list. There are many adults that are friends with younger youth and kids and are sharing things that shouldn't be shared. At least as a parent, I don't feel many things are appropriate and I would be quick to delete some friends. These children/youth and young adults are watching us. Those that are exploring our faith are watching. Some are curious. Some are trying to wait until we fail and then call us hypocrites. They will watch how we act, what kind of selfies we take, conversations and the kind of stories we like and share. Then.....one of two things will happen or maybe both. One, they will justify poor behavior or two, lose total respect for those adults that they once looked up to. Honestly, I have lost a lot of respect for some who I thought would be great role models for my children. It's caused me to rethink who I set in my children's lives as leaders and role models. That IS my job and responsibility because I made four different commitments to the Lord that each of my children belong to him. It may not be "popular" but that is not really my life goal. There is only one I ultimately want to please and that is the Lord, my God. I don't want him to say, "So....did she want to go all in? Or not? I'm not sure." I will be the first to admit, that I am not perfect. If you are one
waiting for me to screw up, please lets just get it over with, come
spend a day with me.
I don't know if it is because I am older or quickly approaching the adolescent years with my children, but as I look around, I'm saddened. Deeply saddened! My kids do have some strong Christians to look up to, but there is a WHOLE lot more "lukewarm" Christians that I see or "Christians" by default because they need to choose a box for religious preference. Now, before you all jump the gun, I'm not perfect, nor do I ever claim to be. I am far from it, just ask my family. I am so thankful that Jesus' mercies are new every morning and for his grace that is sufficient. However, as a Christian who is not new to the faith, I feel a enormous responsibility to those who are growing in the faith or young in the faith especially youth and children. There is a very big difference in claiming Christianity as your religious preference and BEING Christian, growing in Christ, and striving to be like Jesus. This doesn't mean sitting on the fence not wanting to jump all the way in to be a wholehearted Christ follower. I believe Jesus had some strong words to say about that.
I have been caught up in this social media hype. It seemed innocent to begin with. It has been SO fun to reconnect with old friends and family. But....I have felt the following verse stir in my heart and my mind over and over recently and can't shake it.
Phillipans 4:8 - Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble,
whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is
admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such
things.
There are things my eyes have seen and read that they NEVER would have seen if I wasn't on social media. Some call it "sheltered" but I call it "protected". I can't help but think of all the young, impressionable eyes on Facebook. I want to protect my children, but I also need to protect MY mind. I don't want to be desensitized to trash talk or crude humor, among other things. As a dear lady in our church said so clearly, "Once you get your brain dirty, it's hard to wash." There is so much truth in that statement. I have heard many say, "Well...you can't get away from all the junk of this world?" Is that true? Sure, when we are out of our homes and living life we are going to be exposed to all kinds of things. What about when we are home? What about what's on our TV screens? Computers? Phones? Radios? We DO have control over these things. It's called an "off button". We do not have to partake and go with the flow just because it's there. (Preaching to myself right now). Many of these things don't focus our minds on what is "true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy" at least the way Jesus would define these things. As his kid, what he says counts to me. I need to make some changes. I need to lead my children by example and I need to teach them how to avoid the "traps" of social media that are so easy to fall into.
And there you have it folks. That is why I chose to remove Facebook. I will do my best to let you know how we are doing and what we are up to periodically.
God Bless!
Jana
