reels

Being in my mid-70s I have not been much of a social media buff. And have purposely kept it that way. But recently a person I have been praying for, actually for the past 3 years (though we never have met) is going through some challenging and exciting times.  The best way for me to keep up with him and his family is by following him on Instagram. 

So, I am reluctantly going on Instagram.  Right now I have had a killer sinus infection that has taken me out of commission for over a week.  When I’m sick, my mind does not focus…writing and reading are out of the question. That’s set up a perfect storm allowing me time to become enraptured with the short video clips…“reels”.

I have seen people have conversations with others without looking up as they peruse their reels.  I did not get it.  I find that annoying.  But I can see how they would become addicting.  You can find anything that interests you by liking the genres you prefer.  You can amuse yourself endlessly with them.

I know, this is no news to most of you but to me it is an interesting discovery.  I now understand how you can waste 30 minutes to an hour just going from one crazy dog video to cats missing their jumps, to bears entering cars, to babies telling each other what to do (now that makes me smile), to…anything!

My favorites (even better than dogs going to bed in pajamas) are Christian comedians and those that give solid Christian messages in unique ways.  Oh yeah, the cooking videos are mesmerizing too!

It does make me wonder if that is how people think of their lives…in 1-3 minute video clips.  If that is how we see ourselves?  Does the quantity of followers, likes and hearts determine worth…determine our value?

In the social media world that is how value seems to be designated.  I am so glad I am not in that virtual world.  This blog may be considered social media, but it is not where I live. 

I live in the reality of this imperfect world that is filled with good things and evil things, with beauty and ugly things, with kind and mean people.  It is a beautiful world God created that unfortunately mankind has distorted in their desire to become powerful, controlling and rich…it’s the world’s way of seeking validation…of being important.   

What makes me really sad is that on my news feed at least monthly I read of some “influencer” (that I never heard of) died in their 20s, 30s or 40s.   What were they influencing people about…fashion, makeup, food?  What lasting value did that influence really have on those who watched them?  (I will say food-related influencers can make a difference of importance to people’s learning to eat healthy.)

I think I want to be an influencer…actually all of us Christians should want to be influencers! We are called to make a difference in people’s lives for eternal purposes (that lasts a lot longer than a trendy new lipstick will). We are to influence others by showing God’s love to all those we encounter.

That is the only influence I want to have with people is an eternal one. That they may get to know and love the God that has loved me (and loves them) so greatly. That’s the type of influencer I want to be.

I really don’t need hearts or likes because the only validation I seek is from that same God, my Creator.  There is truly nothing more enriching than knowing that I am valued, loved, known and chosen by the God of heaven and earth. 

“Jesus replied, ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'” Matthew 22:37-39 NLT

“Even before He made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in His eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ. This is what He wanted to do, and it gave Him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace He has poured out on us who belong to His dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that He purchased our freedom with the blood of His Son and forgave our sins. He has showered His kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding. ” Ephesians 1:4-8