Look at your social media feeds. What is trending right now? On my Facebook feed it was loads of family summer vacation photos; pictures of peoples kids; inspirational quotes; what people had for dinner; selfies; and links to videos. On my Instagram account it was mostly selfies, scenery pictures & more selfies. I then looked at the Yahoo News Twitter feed to see what news was trending. The number one thing was the, controversial, Miss USA Pageant. Followed by: El Chapo escapes; Tennis; Soccer; and lastly...the Presidential candidates.
So if we break this down, what is trending is: Ourselves (at the best possible angle & in good lighting); fun times we're having; look what I'm doing/eating; #1 girl in the USA; sports; & politics.
We are a self-absorbed society. If it can directly affect or impact us, we will engage (either positively or negatively). When did this start? Each older generation can blame the next, but in reality it started in the Garden of Eden, Genesis 3. Eve thought that she could better herself if she ate the forbidden fruit. She was thinking of herself, not God or the repercussion of a selfish action. Self centered. How'd that work out for her?! In 2 Samuel 11-12 we learn about King David & what being self-centered did to him. He sees a beautiful woman. He sleeps with her. She gets pregnant. He kills her husband. Their baby dies. So how'd that work out for David? (yes, I know the rest of the story. David repented & was forgiven;but the point is his selfishness brought destruction first.)
The Bible has trends too. From Genesis to Revelation there are things that are trending: Sin; repentance; forgiveness; grace; mercy; & love. God takes the least, last & lost and transforms their lives. A life that, when centered on Christ, is not as selfish. We are human, and we will always be selfish. But...when Christ is at the center of everything you do, you will be less selfish/self-centered & more selfless. You will have a desire to do for others, whether it can benefit you or not. And chances are, it will benefit you, because you will have a smile on your face. A genuine smile.
If Jesus had a social media account, what do you think He would post? Selfies? Food? Cats? All about Himself? Probably not. My guess is He'd post scripture; links on how to help your neighbor; stories of forgiveness; doing all things with love; or ways to glorify God. Lets start His trend on our social media accounts.
Philippians 2:3-4
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
James 3:16
For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
So if we break this down, what is trending is: Ourselves (at the best possible angle & in good lighting); fun times we're having; look what I'm doing/eating; #1 girl in the USA; sports; & politics.
We are a self-absorbed society. If it can directly affect or impact us, we will engage (either positively or negatively). When did this start? Each older generation can blame the next, but in reality it started in the Garden of Eden, Genesis 3. Eve thought that she could better herself if she ate the forbidden fruit. She was thinking of herself, not God or the repercussion of a selfish action. Self centered. How'd that work out for her?! In 2 Samuel 11-12 we learn about King David & what being self-centered did to him. He sees a beautiful woman. He sleeps with her. She gets pregnant. He kills her husband. Their baby dies. So how'd that work out for David? (yes, I know the rest of the story. David repented & was forgiven;but the point is his selfishness brought destruction first.)
The Bible has trends too. From Genesis to Revelation there are things that are trending: Sin; repentance; forgiveness; grace; mercy; & love. God takes the least, last & lost and transforms their lives. A life that, when centered on Christ, is not as selfish. We are human, and we will always be selfish. But...when Christ is at the center of everything you do, you will be less selfish/self-centered & more selfless. You will have a desire to do for others, whether it can benefit you or not. And chances are, it will benefit you, because you will have a smile on your face. A genuine smile.
If Jesus had a social media account, what do you think He would post? Selfies? Food? Cats? All about Himself? Probably not. My guess is He'd post scripture; links on how to help your neighbor; stories of forgiveness; doing all things with love; or ways to glorify God. Lets start His trend on our social media accounts.
Philippians 2:3-4
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
James 3:16
For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.