Just unfollow those who cause you to covet. Follow Christ instead.
When I read the “Verse of the day” this morning, it reminded me of a conversation I had this weekend with a friend about the self-image girls, young ladies, and even us “mature” ladies sometimes have due to what we see on the social media.
The verses are truly wrapped in something more grandeur when you read the chapter in its entirety, but I just wanted to share this quick conversation regarding self-image.
Okay, here’s the verse first: “All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures forever.” 1 Peter 1:24
Somehow our conversation went towards people that our children see on social media, whether it is Instagram, Facebook, or whatever crazy means of technological media people use today. My friend’s twenty-something year old daughter had mentioned to her that when she views “so-and-sos” Instagram, she doesn’t feel good about herself. Why? Because those she follows on that social media are always posting pictures that are incredibly beautiful. The lighting is always perfect, their hair and makeup are never out of place or put on wrong, and they always look happy. Now grant it, those she is observing are stunning young women, but that’s not the true issue.
I love the point that my friend said to her daughter. It went something like this:
“When you look at those girls and feel bad about yourself, you are coveting. Coveting is a sin. God doesn’t want you to do that. So if when you see their postings and it makes you feel insecure about yourself, just ‘unfollow’ them. It doesn’t mean that you are not friends with them in the real world, it just means that you are removing a tempting situation from your life that is causing you to sin.”
Excellent point, momma. Just ‘unfollow’ them.
Hmmm, isn’t that one of the Ten Commandments anyhow? Check out Exodus 20:17, “You must not covet your neighbor’s house. You must not covet your neighbor’s wife, male or female servant, ox or donkey, or anything else that belongs to your neighbor.”
Here’s another good one: “Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. 15 These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.” James 1:14-15
Ooo,ooo, and…others in this world are not the ones we should follow anyhow. We need to make sure that we are following Jesus Christ our Savior! “For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in His steps.” 1 Peter 2:21
I’ve written a few times about following Jesus, but here are three that sort of go along with today: You Choose, A friend of Jesus on Facebook, and Jesus the Original Rock Star
Folks, let just do what Matthew 6:33 instructs us to do, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” I pray that you will find the Christ is all you need to be beautiful. His love and beauty will last forever.
I pray God’s abundant love and much joy for y’all.