Day 20 | Boundaries 4 (social media)
Colossians 3:2 (NIV) “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Romans 12:2 (NLT) ”Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think..."
OBSERVATION
Social media boundaries… the topic most teens hate to hear about because social media has become so much a part of your everyday lives. I like to put it like this though – Boundaries are not walls to keep people out; they are gates to protect what God has entrusted to you. I know the Bible does not talk about social media, but honestly, we could quote scripture after scripture that could be applied to social media and the boundaries you should have with it. Here they are summed up into five points! 1. Guard Y our Heart & Mind Proverbs 4:23 states, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." We also know that “as a man thinks in his heart, so is he”, so guard your heart from worldly thinking and desires. (Proverbs 23:7) 2. Avoid Comparison & Watch for Pride The Bible warns against boasting and seeking attention. Which can be a frequent temptation in the pursuit of likes and followers. (1 John 2:15-17) 3. Build Up, Don’t Tear Down Ephesians 4:29 instructs, "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up." This applies to posts, comments, and shares. Social media promotes instant reactions, but be "quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger". (James 1:19) 4. Know Your Identity & Watch Your Relationships Your identity should be based on your relationship with God, not on your online image, popularity, or what others say about you. 2 Corinthians 6:14 states, “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. ” And we all know “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” (Proverbs 27:17) 5. Have Time Management, Limits, & Discretion What you post often reveals the state of your heart; if social media triggers envy, anger, or vanity, it may be time to take a break or reconsider your usage (Luke 6:45). Just because something is permissible, does not mean that it is profitable for you. Ultimately, social media is seen as a tool that can be used for good but requires caution to avoid being "conformed to this world" (Romans 12:2). The Bible may not mention social media, but it provides foundational wisdom for setting boundaries to protect your heart, time, and mental well-being from the distractions and pressures of social media.
APPLICATION
You should limit content that triggers anxiety, jealousy, or negativity in you. If it bothers you, enrages you, or brings out your flesh, then put it away, delete it, or block them! You must find your validation in God rather than in followers or “likes” . Have spiritual habits online and in real life; you must have spiritual vigilance. Keyboard warriors are real, and they will push you until you blow up or go over the edge. Remember to act with grace, even when followers or connections behave in ungodly ways. Even when they say the most awful things, just don’t reply!!! I also encourage you to limit mindless scrolling and to focus on eternal priorities… aka Spiritual Habits!!! Set boundaries on who you allow to influence you through social media. You should always be strengthening the fruit of The Spirit inside of you, not feeding into your fleshly desires.
PRAYER
Dear God, help me develop Godly boundaries in my life and on social media. Allow me to have spiritual discipline online and only share things that glorify you. Thank you for giving me an identity in you, Jesus. Help me to not believe what the world says about me, but only what you and your Word says about me. Let me not conform to fleshly desires, but only that which you have for me. Thank you for the purpose, plan, and destiny you have for my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.