Imaginary Friends But Real Problems

Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Children and teens are growing up today in a unique world unknown to their parents. The world is social media, selfies, likes, follows, tweets, snapchat and more. As one of my sons' reminds me, this is not real but sadly for many they count on those likes, comments, and follows or they become sad and depressed. Teens are super connected to being connected but not face to face. A dangerous path to take.

Here is the thing. How do you communicate to your child,grandchild, niece, or nephew that this social media world is not realistic? Also why do we feel compelled to want everyone to 'like' everything? Don't get me wrong, I have been guilty of it but I feel it is a particular issue when it comes to the generations who have grown up not knowing anything but this kind of existence. 

There used to be a saying with the Bell Telephone 'back in the day' that said "Reach Out And Touch Someone" referring to picking up the phone and calling someone. What we really need to encourage in the younger generation is really doing just that! Get out, connect with the world in a real way not just through social media. Make an effort as you start 2017 to purpose to be more connected in a 'real' way in the coming year and help those younger people whose lives you influence to do just the same. Many people really do need to have a hug, a touch, a connection. 

PRAYER: Forgive me Lord for being a stranger to my neighbors or those in my social media world that I really do not truly connect to. Help me Lord to get beyond my mobile device and be real in the world. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Jesus First, Facebook Second!

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.Colossians 3:1-2

What is the first thing you do after getting up each day? Many folks like to get a cup of java and sit down and check their Facebook friends. No one is faulting Facebook, but is finding out about your friend's lives really going to improve your day?The best thing I think for starting out your day right, and believe me it does take discipline, is opening up God's word and reading some scripture to hide in your heart for your busy day ahead. Often times morning news, the paper, or Facebook can squeeze God totally out of the picture. Ask yourself why it is necessary to know every detail of a life and check it later on during day if you are really compelled. 

A Christian life requires discipline. Similar to athletes who train to run races, we as believers have to train ourselves for the battles ahead in our own life. Our enemy Satan wants to make you believe listening to a Christian radio station on the way to work or going to church for one hour is enough but it is not. Well it is if you want to remain a babe in Christ and never seek maturity. 

I challenge my readers today if you have a problem with spending too much time on Facebook and very little time in God's word, make a plan to change that and ask God to help you. Use your Facebook as a tool to witness for Him as well. 

PRAYER: I confess to you many days I get up and run to social media when I know it does not matter anyway. Give me the strength to do important things first and more importantly give me the desire for reading your word. Help me resist Satan's attempts to get me off course. In Jesus' name. Amen.