up in arms

I've been thinking a lot lately about what gets to us.

What are the things that get our attention?
What are the issues that matter?
What do we get mad about? Rejoice over?
What do we feel so strongly about that we must plaster it all over Facebook?

I have been trying to be more intentional about what I put on display for the world to see via social media. I have a gorgeous 15 month old daughter, who is obsessed with taking pictures and happens to be pretty photogenic (unlike her mommy and daddy!) That translates into a lot of baby-sharing. I don't think that there is anything innately wrong with this, but I think I can do better.

I've made it my mission to try as hard as possible to not be negative in social media as well. Though my flesh really wants to complain, for the WORLD to hear sometimes, about the terrible service I received at such-and-such local restaurant...I refrain. Now, don't hear me saying I don't complain. Oh my husband and my friends get an earful sometimes. I am trying to make an effort in one arena especially, to not come across and the bitter and ungrateful person I can be.

Eric works in SEO, he understands the ins and outs of social media and internet presence in general. He knows how marketing works in the online world. There are subtleties that you and I are completely unaware of in this domain! What does this mean? It means we have a MUCH bigger influence on the world if we are involved in Facebook/instagram/twitter/LinkedIn/tumblr etc. So because my small virtual footprint on the world will very likely never disappear, I am trying to work hard at making it the best witness I can. One day, my great grandchildren may look me up Foogle (future google?) and I want them to see Jesus.

I want the world to see Jesus.

So why are we getting all up in arms about football?
Why are all of our status updates so negative? So complaining?
Why do we promote humane societies and other animal shelters, but never the name of Jesus?
Do we share more about our kid's eating habits than we do about what the Lord has done in our lives lately?

I think we as Christians need to get our priorities straight. If Jesus had a Facebook account, what statuses would he post? If He had instagram, what pictures would make up his feed? Shouldn't we be striving to look more like Him, and less like the world in everything we do?

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. - Romans 12:2

I am speaking 100% to myself when I write this all out, though I realize it may not come across that way. There is nothing wrong with me posting my daughter's latest toothy grin, or cheering on my favorite college football team...but when these things take priority over shouting the name of Jesus, that's when we lose focus on what's really important in this life. Let's further the kingdom today!

He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation." - Mark 16:15