As I mentioned in my last blog I have started a social media fast for 6 weeks, it has been a week today. That would include Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Snapchat. Here are my thoughts so far.
Addiction – the fact or condition of being addicted to a particular substance or activity
Obsession – an idea or thought that continually preoccupies or intrudes on a person’s mind
Distraction – a thing that prevents someone from concentrating on something else
Most would describe social media with one of those three words. Before I started this fast I would have told you that I didn’t have that problem and social media wasn’t a big deal to me.
Man oh man was I wrong. The last week has been a serious struggle. I hadn’t realize how present social media was in my everyday routine until now. I find myself grabbing my phone to scroll through Instagram and Facebook at random times. I have realized that I use social media as a shield for awkward silences during a conversation, dinner with friends or family, or even when I’m surrounded by strangers. It has taken the place of face to face conversation for me. I have also let it consume so much of my time during the day.
We are not guaranteed tomorrow or even the next hour so being intentional with your time is important. I have been choosing to fill my days with Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Snapchat, as if there were so many hours to begin with.
I am challenging you to give up the empty habits in your life, whatever they may be and fill your hours with Jesus. Sit down and read your bible, face the awkward silences and get to know the person you are talking to on a deeper level, say hello to the stranger you are avoiding. Be deliberate with your words, your actions, and every minute of your day.
