Let’s face it – social media has its pros and cons. Love it or hate it, the way we communicate has been forever altered, and global reach being at our fingertips can be a powerfully effective – and woefully dangerous – thing. 

As parents are well aware, raising kids in the digital age has its challenges. I love that there is a wealth of knowledge so readily available to discover, but I hate that lies, filth, and corruption are so much easier to find as well. It’s not just our kids who are bombarded with it though – we adults even have to watch out that we’re not being negatively affected or misled by all the messaging out there. 

I have learned over the years about the importance of selective consumption when it comes to social media. This is not to say that we should avoid the news or worldviews other than our own – I certainly believe we should be educated. However, I think we get hammered enough in our daily lives with all manner of issues that bring us down – why not make sure we’re following accounts and seeking out influences that build us up?

So much of what we see celebrated on our media platforms revolves around self-promotion. Influencers find themselves tied down with page views and developing content to keep followers engaged, and yet many people claim they come away from social media feeling discouraged because the carefully curated content will never match their own lives. What we have to remember, though, is that entertainment is not designed to reflect reality, and we can actually seek out platforms that encourage us to live out our ideals, strengthen our faith, and motivate us to take positive action.

I admire those who are encouraging me to live out a life of purpose and integrity, those who show a holy example of surrender. ‘The system’ seems to be designed in such a way that it prevents us from doing that. We are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus, and yet we’re all so immersed in our own individual battles that it appears too costly to reach out. It’s tempting to want to keep my world small, usually in a self-preservation attempt to prevent getting hurt. This is why I am inspired when I see others who are intentional in their faith – it gives me hope and resolve to do the same. 

When you think about the people in your life who have impacted you for the better, who are they and what did they contribute? In your engagements online, do you feel encouraged and rewarded, or defeated and depleted? I’d say most of us are aware that our relationships at home matter the most, so the best social media interactions we can take part in are the ones that make us better people to those who have a physical presence in our lives. 

What motivates me to step out and love others? What gets me out of my comfort zone? What challenges me to unashamedly pursue my purpose and push out the fear that holds me back?

The simple fact is that the people who speak wisdom, truth, and love into others’ souls are the ones that I want to emulate. The ones who use their brokenness to pour life into others. The ones who reject shallow living in favor of the pursuit of a higher calling. The ones who use their voices to proclaim Christ to a lost and hurting world. 

How we choose to share our stories can make all the difference in the world. Let’s support those who are spurring us on, and let’s use our influence to challenge one another to do the same.