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“The more we take refuge in distraction, the more habituated we become to mere stimulation and the more desensitized to delight. We lose our capacity to stop and ponder something deeply, to admire something beautiful for its own sake, to lose ourselves in the passion for a game, a story, or a person.” – Tony Reinke
I was a junior the year Mark Zuckerberg introduced Facebook to college campuses across the country. So for 15 years now, I’ve been on social media to varying degrees. A lot can change in 15 years, and I felt like now was the right time to evaluate where I’ve been and where I’m going in regards to life online. Also, having kids who are asking about their own social media accounts will really make you pause and consider what is the purpose of having your eyes on a screen upwards of four hours a day. After reading Tony Reinke’s book “12 Ways Your Phone is Changing You,” last year, I knew I needed a change.
Honestly, for myself, it would be easiest to abandon social media altogether than to try and stick with self-enforced parameters. But I believe God wants to continue to cultivate self-control and discipline through my use of Instagram, Facebook and the like. I also believe, with consideration, the online space can be used to encourage, challenge, entertain and educate. So after a month away, I’m coming back but with a more defined purpose and with the desire to continually reevaluate my relationship with my phone.
For now, I’m going to let these these two things guide me: my own mission statement and these words from James. The scripture serves as a guide for what I produce online but also what I consume and how I consume it.
My Social Media Mission Statement
To share thoughts about life, parenting, faith, business and art that encourages love of God and others.
James 3:13-18
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.
Do you have any guiding principles to your online life? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
Recommended Reading:
12 Ways Your Phone Is Changing You by Tony Reinke
The Tech-Wise Family: Everyday Steps for Putting Technology in Its Proper Place by Andy Crouch
