A few years ago, I was invited to give a message with “For the Nations”, a global ministry in Durban, South Africa for Youth Month, and what a joy it was to speak to the youth and encourage them in their walks with God. What better a topic to discuss than social media?! So much information is disseminated via various social media platforms and as a frequent social media user, I wanted to speak on conformity and social media because…it’s kind of a big deal!
What is Conformity?
For starters, the dictionary defines conformity as behavior in accordance with socially accepted conventions or standards. Simply stated, “copying what appears to be acceptable or popular in society.” I read an article story about alady by the name of Lizette Calveiro who spoke about her experience of going into $10,000 of debt in order to portray a perfect lifestyle. According to Lizette, “it was really about keeping up.” The good news is that this young lady realized that the lifestyle she was pursuing wasn’t authentic to her which resulted in her changing her spending habits to represent a more responsible way of living. But imagine the time and money that could’ve been saved had she been able to avoid the pitfall of conformity.
This makes me think of Romans 12:2 which says “Do not copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”
Changing the Way We Think
So how can we change the way that we think? Or better yet, what impacts our thinking? When it comes to social media, I can name a few things that impacts our thinking, for instance:
Keeping up with trends
Thought manipulation/being fed the perspectives of others
Online persona (similar to Lizette’s story)
Once we are able to identify what impacts our thinking, we then can better understand how to change our thinking and avoid the pitfalls of conformity. Two major ways that I believe to be game changers when it comes to being the salt and light of the earth on the socials and in general are 1) spending time with those who are closely connected to Christ and have a relationship with Him and 2) taking time away from your phone and using that time in prayer, worship or devotion.
Spending Time with Those Closely Connected to Christ
You know the saying “Tell me who your friends are, and I’ll tell you who you are.” There is truth to that. The more time you spend with someone, inevitably, the more you’ll pick up on their ways and maybe even desire to do some of the things they do. The same concept applies when spending time with other believers that are in close relationship with Christ. You’ll gain wisdom, insight, community and so much more.
Taking Time Away From Your Phone
Spending time with God always results in more communication with Him, deeper connection and intimacy. The more time you spend with God, the more knowledgeable you become about His Word and who you’re called to be and not be. Scripture tells us that although we are allowed to do certain things, everything isn’t good for us and you must not become a slave to anything, 1 Corinthians 6. How beautiful that we are called to be free from enslavement, which includes our phones and social media 🙂
The Point of it All
Why does any of this even matter? What then should we be focused on? Well it’s actually not as difficult as many make it out to be. Your purpose. Tadaaa! No but seriously, the purpose that God has laid out for your life should be one of the things you’re focusing on in your walk with Him which ultimately leads to enhancing God’s Kingdom.
It’s important to note that your purpose has nothing to do with your talents or passions. it’s totally different. Quick overview!
Passion- Is what we love to do.
Talent- Is what we are able to do, and well.
Purpose- is what we’re called to do.
We all have purpose. You are on this earth for a reason, and although you may not know God’s full plan for your life, He will guide you step by step through this journey called life to fulfill your purpose in the way that is uniquely meant for you. Someone out there needs you. Your non-conformity is essential to the Kingdom of Heaven. Remember, the number of followers, likes, comments or shares that you have don’t matter. It’s the one that you’re following that matters, the One True God. The person that He has called you to be is what matters. Your light and witness to others is what matters.
In Closing
The next time you’re on social media, ask yourself if what you’re seeing is changing your thinking to conform to the world or enhancing your desire to be more like Christ. I know…it can truly be a challenge, but the reward of non-conformity is far greater than the effort it takes to avoid the pitfalls of conformity.
I believe in you because you are equipped to do wonderful things for the Kingdom of God. You’re not a slave to social media or conformity, you’re salt and light!
