Good Fear Bad Fear
Anyone else seeing that social media can easily become a megaphone for luring us into people pleasing? How many likes do you have? How many filters did you use on that photo? Does your house look that good all the time? And so on. Where is our focus? Us? Others? What about Jesus who tells us to be the light of the world -- not be in the spotlight of the world.
In Scripture people pleasing is called the fear of man, in Scripture. "Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe" (Proverbs 29:25). Why is it a snare? We want the approval and affirmation of others and we will never be satisfied by that sinful craving because others are as sinful and moody we are! So if we're living for the approval of people we're not free, we're in bondage. We're not looking to God, we're looking to people to be our god. It's called idolatry. It's called having unrealistic expectations of ourselves and of others! We will always be disappointed! God is the God of all grace and mercy. People rarely are. People will fail us.
But God never will. Never.
Social media is a wonderful way to spread the gospel and to point people to the saving grace of Jesus. It's a beautiful way to bring God glory when we post answered prayers as well as prayer requests! It's a great way to invite the lost to life-saving events and gatherings. It's also a delightful way to spread the joy of the LORD. Keeping up with out of town family members is easier with social media. There are so many ways social media can bless the world.
But as God's people we should use it and look at it with a God-fearing perspective. That's freedom. We want to be God-honoring God-pleasers, always putting Him first in our minds and decisions.
Look what fruit will come from God being FIRST in our hearts and minds and shining that light of love and hope. "Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge" (Proverbs 14:26). Yes!!!!!
Telling the truth to shine the light. That should be our goal.
Truth brings freedom. Lies hide truth.
Do you know we can scatter darkness in our lives with our love for God? Jesus is the light of the world and He tells us we are to carry on His work on this planet by shining the light as His children.
"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:14-16). Wow! What an amazing invitation to live an abundant life and to share it with the world!
We have a choice. We can look to God and His word fervently and faithfully every day. That will cause us to joyfully reflect His light in this dark world! Or we can believe lies and stay focused on self, only seeking the adoration of others, and live a tiny life in the shadows never finding true joy and satisfaction.
We are the light of the world. We are the body of Christ.
Let's encourage each other to shine for the glory of God daily and find true joy and true freedom!
💖 Polly
Matthew 5:16
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