Sunday, February 25, 2024

How has social media impacted your life? If you're like most, there have been some great benefits, like connecting with distant friends or even sharing truths about God’s word. But you also may have had negative experiences, such as losing large chunks of time while doom-scrolling. Or perhaps you’ve found yourself lashing out at those you love most after getting entangled in an online argument with someone you’ve never met and probably never will.

Either way, your reason for using it determines the outcome. Or, as Andy put it this weekend, your why determines your what.

When we give our lives to Christ, he purifies us and gives us good work to do (2 Timothy 2:20), representing him in the process. We are called to pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace (2 Timothy 2:22).

Do your social media habits reflect this?

Invite God to help you explore your relationship with social media. Set aside any distractions, close your eyes, and take a few slow, deep breaths. Ask the Lord to help you identify what is healthy and unhealthy in terms of your technology use.

Finally, consider recording your responses in a journal, whether digital or hard copy. It's a great way to look back on the adventure God has you on.

Prayer:
God, you are so loving and gracious. Thank you for calling me to you and purifying me through faith in Christ. Because of him, you no longer see my sin. Don’t let me take this amazing gift for granted. Guide me to live in a way that demonstrates love and peace and teach me to share it with this broken world. Help me be a light to all I encounter, whether on social media, at work, or wherever I may be. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Series Theme Verse:

Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

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Discussion Questions

Icebreaker: What are the positive ways social media has affected your life?

How can social media shape us into angry, anxious, or arrogant people?

Read 2 Timothy 2:22-26. Which verses stand out to you, and why? How do they relate to the concerns around social media today?

Of the three areas Andy discussed, content, conflict, and character, which do you struggle with the most on social media?

What is your God-given purpose? If you're on social media, what is one way you can use it to support your purpose?

This post was written by Kelly Pagel, Director of the LivingItOut Devotional.

Do You have the gift of creative communication? Do you want to help other’s grow spiritually and get to know God better. The LivingItOut is looking form people who love too write. And if you spotted the errors in this paragraph and they drove you crazy, we’d love to talk to you about editing or proofing. To learn more about joining the LIO team, please email lio@cedarcreek.tv .