Sugarcoated: Finding Sweet Release From CravingsSample

At one time or another, many of us have been lured in and fallen to the temptation of posting opinions online to anyone who will read them. Oh, friend, the enemy has twisted our minds into such knots that I pray we can unwind and walk in a straight path.

We must keep one critical thing in mind: it’s called social media for a reason. If you post your view on a topic, be prepared for someone to disagree with you. Fair is fair if you are choosing to give your two cents. Try to remind yourself repeatedly, “Just because I have an opinion doesn’t mean I have to give it. I will not burst into flames if I turn the other cheek and refuse to comment.”

Oh, friend, we must remember that every single thing we read online is not directed at us personally. Excuse my bluntness, friends, but we are not the center of the universe. It’s not all about us. It’s all about Jesus.

The sooner we accept the fact that Jesus’s opinion is all that matters, the kinder our hearts—and the calmer our nerves—will become.

There is hope. I’ve interviewed many young adults who proudly now consider themselves clean and sober from social media. After having hearts broken, reputations shattered, or being passed over for jobs due to inappropriate posts still lingering in the stratosphere, many are ignoring social media altogether. These God-fearing men and women are our future. Pray for them. Pray that they grow in number.

I’ll cut to the chase: we’ve binged on the artificial candy called social media long enough and have suffered some serious psychological side effects. Just like eating junk food that lands on our thighs, we have to face reality and get clear eyed, sans a photo filter.

Together, let’s resist the temptation to comment on every post with which we disagree. Together, let’s be diligent in protecting our loved ones from spider webs that devour their self-worth. Arm in arm, let’s stand up to the enemy’s traps that are disguised as harmless posts.

We know better. The only person you need approval from is a man named Jesus. He’s your biggest fan. Our Savior not only likes you, He loves you with more heart emojis than you can count on both hands.