“Don't pay attention to everything people say.” Ecclesiastes 7:21 (GNT)
Have you ever posted something online and then walked away, not caring what anyone thought or how people reacted to it? Most people can’t imagine that!
What makes social media so addictive? Why do you have to go back and check a picture 50 times after you post it? Why are you constantly checking your phone?
Everybody wants the approval of others. People desperately need to be liked! When you hear the “ding” of a notification, dopamine is released in your brain, and it’s extremely satisfying. Every “ding” feeds your need for approval, and it feels like you can’t get enough.
But the Bible says, “Dear friends, don't let public opinion influence how you live out our glorious, Christ-originated faith” (James 2:1 MSG).
The truth is that public opinion doesn’t have anything to do with your faith. So don't let public opinion decide what you believe, feel, or do. No matter how many likes or notifications you get, it will never lead you in the direction of Jesus Christ.
The Bible also says in Ecclesiastes 7:21, “Don't pay attention to everything people say” (GNT).
Even when you make the wisest, happiest, most encouraging social media post, some people will still post comments that won’t meet your expectations or may be just downright mean. If you create a post because you need a certain number of likes to feel better about yourself, then you’re going to be disappointed.
But when you don’t live for the approval of others, what one person says on social media is not going to make or break you. When you can say something online without worrying about how people will react to it, then your happiness is not determined by how many like the post.
Everyone wants the approval of others. But when you have the right focus, like Jesus did, you’re only concerned about pleasing your heavenly Father. Jesus said, “I try to please the One who sent me” (John 5:30 NCV). When you live for the approval of One, it’ll become easier to use social media as a useful tool and not a crutch.
Rick Warren is an innovative pastor, renowned author, and global influencer known for founding Saddleback Church, the Purpose Driven Network, the PEACE Plan, and Hope for Mental Health. He has written several best-selling books, including The Purpose Driven Life, which has sold over 35 million copies in 200 languages. Time magazine named Warren the most influential spiritual leader in America and one of the 100 most influential people in the world. Since stepping down from the lead pastor role at Saddleback in 2022, Warren has continued to inspire people through his Daily Hope Devotional and podcast Pastor Rick’s Daily Hope. His first book in a decade, Created to Dream, was released in April 2023.
For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit pastorrick.com!
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