Pictured above: Hand-lettering by Kaitlyn Boyd, a friend of mine I met through the Christian Instagram Community. Connect with her through Instagram! You can find the link to her blog in her bio as well. Have you ever taken a step back and thought about the content that of which we follow on Social Media? Several months ago I had to take a moment where I unfollowed almost every account on my Instagram that was not a Jesus based account. It's not that I didn't care to see my friends' precious children or all the beautiful selfies (I still got to catch up with that on Facebook!). No- I really just did not want to have to scroll through any potential negativity; let's just say I was in search of encouragement anywhere it could be found. I sort of made my Instagram as an outlet for when I could not sit down and dig into my bible or a bible app; in doing this, I still had the option to scroll through Instagram and see scripture, devotions and daily encouragement. Isn't it true what we fill our hearts with is what we will pour out as well? What we feed is what we seed. What our Social Media feeds are filled with is probably a portion of the seeds we will sow. I don't know about you, but growing up in a generation where cell phones and the Internet really progressed rapidly, I tend to naturally spend a lot of time on my phone. Yep, I said it! More than I would like to admit, really. I have tried fasting from Social Media apps, by deleting the app and adding it back once I felt I was ready. But are we ever really ready? Isn't it too easy just to slip right back in to how we were before? My point is this: I should be able to get on Instagram and not be bombarded with negativity. Stay with me here. I have control over whom and what I follow. I know God is working in His people and building up an army to be a light through Social Media platforms because that is where the world is! If I stopped getting on Instagram to interact with others and share Jesus on my account, then what good am I doing (read this post about using your social media account as a vessel)? Instead, my heart is hopeful for this Jesus-loving community on Instagram to flourish so we may portray a positive atmosphere for all who are seeking encouragement. Aren't we meant to work for the Lord, in whatever we do? Colossians 3:23-24 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. So, if I made the choice to disengage from Social Media due to the worldliness present, would I be working for the Lord? Or would I be selfish by shying away and not pressing into the mess and shining a light for Jesus? Matthew 5:14 tells us we are the light of the world, like a city on a hill. We are to be followers of Jesus and strive to walk as He did. Though, we will never be able to do this perfectly, we still have His Holy Spirit in us. With His strength, we have the ability to press on. Matthew 9:11-12 explains how Jesus interacted with and spent time with the sinners and tax collectors (portrayed as unrighteous people). These were the people Jesus picked to be His disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to His disciples, “Why is your Teacher eating with the tax collectors and sinners?” But when Jesus heard this, He said, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick. In the process of pursuing more Jesus-centered accounts on Instagram, I have met many wonderful women who seek Jesus day in and day out, throughout the good times and the messy times! I am forever grateful for their constant encouragement and inspiration they provide each day through their accounts. What I have learned is this: Do not shy away from situations that obviously need Jesus, but do filter what you are filling your heart with. Continue pressing in to what Jesus calls for you to be doing and do it well! Pictured above: A prayer by a friend of mine whom I met through the Christian Instagram Community. Connect with Shanaya through Instagram @Exist2Worship and through her blog Exist2Worship. She also leads a bible study via Facebook.
2 Comments
Angie Slate
10/17/2016 10:17:54 am
Very wise words!! Keep up the good works for Jesus and His grace will abound!
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Kalie
10/17/2016 10:36:29 am
Love you, Momma!
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Kalie LandChristian wife, mama, student, and homemaker inspired by Jesus and the simple things in life. Humbled by our gracious God. Aspiring to make a difference any way possible by trying to be the loyal Christian that God is molding me to be. Archives
November 2016
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