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“For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10

For over a decade, social media has been steadily and pervasively replacing real relationships with virtual ones. New platforms are constantly being developed for people to establish their public persona through selfies, perfected family activity videos, and pristinely completed projects. Ultimately, the goal is to show oneself worthy enough to receive a high count of thumbs-up or hearts.

In this time of social distancing, the role of social media has grown even stronger as virtual connectivity is practically a requirement, not just an option.

As for me, I’m not a fan. For a lot of reasons. In full disclosure, I do have an Instagram account (@drop_the_rock), which I created primarily to see photos from my sons. Although my profile says there are 97 people following me, I “see” the same 15 or so people (either via their posts or their responses to mine).

Even though I don’t care about social media in general, when I do post something, there’s an eager anticipation that bubbles up in me…how many people will click that little heart icon—and who? Will anyone comment? Driven to check the account, my emotions sway dependent upon the results.

I’m shaking my head even as I admit that.

Sisters, it shouldn’t matter how other people respond to us! As followers of Jesus—that is, of the God-Man Himself, not His social media—we are called to care what He thinks about us. The words we say, our actions, and our activities should always be filtered…not by an Instagram colorization effect, but through the position we have in Christ. Are we being kind, gracious, godly? Are we reflecting the Son and pointing people to Him? Or are we giving people a reason to perceive Christians negatively?

As for me, I’ve done a little of both—the latter, unintentionally, for which I made efforts to redeem. But it is interesting to assess my posts. When I share a photo of my kids or dogs, I may get 25-30 likes. When I am intentional about sharing my faith, however, those clicked hearts dwindle to almost none. So, I say, they can like it or not, because I know I am pleasing the Lord.

“Lord, help me to remember daily that You are the only One I need to please. I may offend the world, but as long as I please the King, that’s all that matters.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life