Taking a Break
Recently, my daughter took a hiatus from social media. I asked her what made her decide to take a break and she said she wanted to learn to love herself for who she is. She is wise beyond her years! It’s so easy to get sucked into trying to fit in. I found myself caught up in that a few months ago and I also had to take a break. There is still one app that I’ve decided to just stop posting on. Once you see your number of followers rise, it sets your mindset down the wrong path. You’re seeking approval from the people rather than living for God’s glory.
We live in a society where we value ourselves based on how others perceive us. Our whole identity becomes wrapped up in Likes, Shares, Followers, Subscribers, etc. If our numbers are low, we feel as if we don’t measure up. This isn’t a recent thing, it’s just taken on a new, global form. In the past, we wanted a big house like our friends, business cards made us feel important, our types of cars meant we made it. However, all of this is narcissistic, fleeting, and meaningless.
Prosperity Teaching
What’s worse, some large churches are pushing a false gospel. There are “pastors” who promote a prosperity doctrine. They feel that wealth an adoration is a right. This is a false doctrine that will lead to destruction. They lead people who are seeking God down a path of idolatry and covetousness. Things we are told to avoid.
5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
Ephesians 5:5 (NIV)
Seeking approval from other people means that your identity is based solely on how others perceive you. Your happiness is based on what other people think. You can go from happiness to sadness in a day based on your numbers. However, people will come and go. They may or may not be there when you need them the most.
God Is Always There
God will always be in your life. When you’re having a bad day, He isn’t surprised and won’t turn His back when you need Him. His love never waivers.
16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.
1 John 4:16 (NIV)
His approval is the only approval that matters. God is love. Prosperity is becoming the person that God wants you to be. Ignore the like and followers and seek God instead.
Have a blessed and prosperous week!
THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.