Fasting From Social Mediaনমুনা

Exodus 20:3 KJV reads, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” When people think of idols, they think of graven images (angel figures, etc.) or some other obsession. That is how Satan deceives so many. Idols are anything you put before God. I remember a time when before I rose out of bed to say my prayers, I would be on my phone checking my notifications and replying to comments from the previous day. The verse of the day, my devotional time unto God, became second and, in some cases, third. That’s not to say that as soon as you open your eyes you should go right into devotional time, BUT there should be a pause of some sort to honor God for giving you another day. This is a sure sign that social media is an idol in your life. 

In addition to this, boasting and comparison can be an idol in our lives. The image we want to portray to others can be a form of idolatry. Some people post about the things they have acquired or exorbitant purchases to validate what’s in their bank account. There is nothing wrong with having nice things, but your identity and self-worth should not be found in things. If you are going to boast, it should be in God, who has blessed you. Of comparison, Paul says this in 2 Corinthians 10:12 KJV, “Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.” We are never to compare our lives to others. Social media shows great highlight reels of people's lives. You see the vacations, engagements, weddings, children, promotions, and ministries that you desire to have in your own life. The daunting thing about all of this is that you don’t know what is happening behind the post. You see smiles and happiness, but what's hidden could be an unrelenting sorrow. 

Possessing things can never bring true joy, only fleeting happiness. You see nice trips, but their bank account can be empty. You see nice fit bodies, but deep down, these individuals could be empty shells. You see relationships, but the picture does not truly reflect what is going on internally. All of it can be a smokescreen to mask what is truly happening in their life. This is especially true for unbelievers. No matter how much fun they appear to be having, there is no true fulfillment outside of Jesus Christ. 

I used to love to see people in love (I still do). In my dark season, I would covet another person’s love life or their seemingly successful ministry, daydreaming about this happening for me. In some cases, character flaws and immorality would be revealed in those people's lives. Conviction would follow, and I would remember what Paul admonished, “Be content with whatever state you find yourself in.” If you long for anything, it should be for God’s perfect will for your life and not what you see in others. The devil uses small, subtle thoughts to lead you to the road of comparison and discontentment. If you are not prudent, it will lead you to the pit of discouragement and depression. 

If you have experienced the trap of idolatry or comparison, I encourage you to repent and entrust yourself again wholly to God. It’s acceptable to ask the Lord to change some areas in your life, but while in the waiting, you must remain thankful and grateful, prioritizing the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. He promised to add the things.

Be encouraged.