Social Media – All About Who?
How can we use the JOY (Jesus, Others, You) principle when it comes to social media? Amanda points us to some real life ways.
You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give you.” – John 15:16
The world is becoming more and more wrapped up in social media. Confession: I am wrapped up in social media (I love selfies!). And, while I love being able to keep in contact with friends from different seasons of life and stay informed about the community around me, it often becomes about the approval I want from others through likes and shares.
When you walk through the gate at Camp, you will see a wooden sign hanging overhead that reads, “Love God, Love Each Other.” It has become a motto in our camp culture and a goal to strive towards. When I think about serving and working around camp it is often easier to think about putting others’ needs ahead of my own and wanting to share about Christ more than myself, but when social media steps into the mix of life it all seems to get jumbled up. I begin to love myself first and want to be put first in getting attention. I completely mess up the JOY principle; Jesus, Others, Yourself.
So how can we focus more on “JOY” when it comes to social media?
- Jesus- He always needs to be first. Matthew 22:35-40 The gospels give the greatest commandment, to love the Lord with all your heart, soul, and mind. He should be at the forefront of all we do. It’s easy to share photos of ourselves and seek to share our thoughts to gain likes and comments about our posts. To love Jesus before anything else we must constantly have His name on our lips ready to share His truth, looking to bring our Savior praise, not ourselves.
- Others- Life is about relationships and spreading God’s word. Matthew 13 There is no way for us to do life on our own. We see that directly linked to Jesus and His time here with His relationships with the disciples. The Lord has given each of us community for a purpose, to be the hands and feet to share His name. The disciples became those hands and feet to share the ministry of Jesus and what His death and resurrection meant for all of us. Social media can be an amazing way for us to sow seeds to those around us. By sharing scripture and looking to give Him praise we open the door of conversation to others about what makes you different to the online community. Take a moment to share an encouraging those in the community around you.
- Yourself- Not only should we look out for our own interest, but also the interest of others. Phil. 2:3-5 It’s okay for us to post about ourselves. We should share the blessings of life with those around us and tell about what God is doing in our lives. One question to ask ourselves as we post is; are we aiming to glorify ourselves or to glorify God? Let’s shoot for making it more about God and less about us.
Camper Corner
Campers, how can you use the different social media apps you have to encourage five friends this week?
