Much has been said of the “selfie generation” and the veneration of our self images as we put our “high-light reel” up on social media and how this false portrayal of real life without displaying all the dirt and hardship is so narcissistic.
And I can see how it can be viewed that way.
I can see how some may even intend it that way.
But what I want to contend is that we have a God, a loving Heavenly Father, who, when we said “Yes” to accepting the sacrifice of His Son for our sin, He chooses to look at us only through the lens of perfection in Christ. He chooses to NOT count our sin against us, to focus on our highlights, to encourage us in our faith, and to remember us as spiritual giants even if we feel completely confused and at a loss.
How do I know this?
Let’s look at how, under inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the Lord talks about some of His Old Testament saints…
He talks about Abraham as though He never wavered for a moment on the promises of God… But if we read Abraham’s real life story in Genesis, we can see some gaping holes in Abe’s faith. This brings me comfort for the moments I waiver and falter. This let’s me know He doesn’t hold it against me and instead, I’ll get another opportunity to get it right. Next time, I won’t fail.
He talks about Lot as this super morally conflicted dude in 2 Peter when in reality, Lot was living smack dab in the middle of sin city and offered up his daughters to the crowd trying to spare a few angels God had sent to save Lot. The Lord does not give an account in the New Testament of how Lot should’ve chosen a better neighborhood to raise his kids, or how many theological mistakes Lot made after being rescued. Nope. The New Testament simply lists him as a faithful guy, completely ignoring his faults and failures.
And the second thing about “displaying our high-light reel” is this…
[bctt tweet=”Instead of viewing the successes of others as competition, what if we took it as encouragement?”]
What about, if instead of viewing the successes of others as competition, we took it as encouragement? I know that when I am struggling, and I see a friend of mine overcome something through various social media posts, I think– “If they can do it, I can too!” Or when another mother’s child succeeds, instead of jealousy, I think– “If that kid can do it, mine can too!” You see, another person’s sucess never steals our own possibility! If you believe that their success means there’s none left for you, then you may have a scarcity mindset– as in “there is only so much blessing to go around.” Your believing a lie of the enemy my friend, because with God, there is always blessing, always more benefits, always more wisdom He can give out and lavish on His beloved children. Someone else’s success or blessing does not steal my own possibilities, it rather confirms them. So instead, we should be viewing one another’s online portrayals as inspiration, not self absorption. We should see someone else’s success and be glad for them, spurred on personally in our own battles. And we shouldn’t ever be jealous of someone else’s success, we should grab the opportunity to believe that if God can do it for them, in them, or through them– He can and will for us.
Amanda says
There is so much wisdom in this post…one I need printed out. Many great reminders of how we need to view ourselves and most importantly how He sees us! Thanks my friend.
Lyette Reback says
Thank YOU! And besides, I love to see everyone’s pretty pictures of them enjoying their kiddos!
Emily says
I think you have softened my views on social media. First, I should say that we all have different callings. Me personally, I used to have Facebook and once I found out I was pregnant and went on a journey for self-improvement, I came to the realization that social media was a hindrance to me being my best self. Since my husband and I got rid of social media and our smart phones, we have honestly been happier and our lives have been simpler, but that’s just us and that’s what WE were called to do. However, I think that as with all things, if we are going to use social media, then we need to glorify God and hold ourselves to higher standards. We not only have to post the things that we post with the right attitude, but we also- as you have so eloquently said- have to receive from others with the right attitude. I’m grateful that there are people like you, Lyette, who are called to use social media to glorify God. God has all of us do work in different places and He obviously wants your ministry here. Thanks for sharing your wisdom on this topic!
Lyette Reback says
Bless you Emily! And I totally understand what you’re saying. Sometimes we have to take a break from all the social stuff and just be. Bless you and your family and thanks for commenting and engaging in the conversation!
Michelle Wiginton says
Lyette, LOVE your perspective here….I think so many of us are separated by miles, but we are able to share a relationship for the first time in history through social media…this offers new challenges and blessings. Many things can be either a curse or a blessing…depending on how we view them. You are championing the blessings mindset…LOVED the diamond masks, by the way, they are GORGEOUS!
Lyette Reback says
I think sometimes too it just takes training and focus to understand that there is not “just so much blessing” to go around…and it takes time and training to NOT be jealous…but to truly WANT others to succeed. I think I am very sensitive to this because I sensed from so many for so long the secret desire from others that I would fail…and rather than be angry at them I try to just remember to pray blessing for them. Rather than misunderstand where that comes from, I seek to understand why someone would feel that way. And so that is where the idea from this post came from.
Rachel says
Love that you pointed to how God focuses on our strengths, and never highlights our weaknesses. That is such a great reminder!
Lyette Reback says
Important to remember. Especially when we tend to be so hard and critical of ourselves.
Daniela Tomescu says
God had made us all so different, we excel in different areas, we have different passions, priorities. He likes it that way. There are some things I’d like to excel at that I may be struggling with. The success of those around me does encourage me. I even seek out that inspiration as I do your blog and others. Thank you for your heart and openness.
Lyette Reback says
Thank you for your encouragement Daniela! You are doing a great job!
Matt says
Abundance vs. Scarcity. Excellent reminder of a Godly principle that Stephen Covey covered so well. We serve The God of abundance. Those who choose jealousy bow to the god of scarcity. What a perfectly timed reminder as we head toward “Thanksgiving”.
Lyette Reback says
Ahh yes….You caught the reference to Covey! Great book and an amazing teaching device. Love it.