We certainly live in a day and age where the approval of others is something many of us are striving towards. Social media has induced within us such extremes to achieve those approvals. A simple click of the like button has taken over our lives as we look for rubber stamp consensus of our pictures, thoughts, and motives. It all seems so innocent but where do we draw the line? What are we doing to achieve those likes? Are we bending ourselves to such a degree that our social media life is far from displaying our lives in actuality?
How did the world get to this point where we’re clamoring for such high levels of approval? Somehow, we’ve attached a sense of well-being from the acceptance of the masses. We’re looking for popularity to lift us and make us feel worthy. I include myself as one who needs to look at her attachment to the like button. Have I fallen into the trap of viewing worthiness by the number of likes I garner from my social media activities? There seems to be a rush of emotions that we are getting from the approval from others even from perfect strangers that we are obsessed with obtaining. Maybe our lack of feeling worthy by the world’s standards has caused us to find a way to gain confidence in who we are through our social media lives.
Here is what we’re missing…Christ is the only true source of acceptance. Take a look at just a few scriptures that ought to steer what true acceptance looks like in our lives.
Ephesians 1:5
He predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will
Colossians 1:13
He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son,
Psalm 139:14
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.
Psalm 139:13-15
For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
Genesis 1:27
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them
Being created in God’s image is the most important and pivotal approval that could ever exist. We lose sight of this fact as we gaze at the world instead of focusing on Jesus. When I look towards Him then my actions are based on receiving His approval versus what society views as being worthy. Society is looking for the latest and greatest while Christ is looking for those attributes that He can display in us which goes well beyond any likes we can secure. Colossians 3:12 sums it up perfectly; So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience;
Join me today in finding out what is pleasing to the Lord and then may we look to fulfill them for God’s Kingdom versus an earthly kingdom.
BY: Rhonie McBerry
Rhonie is a licensed radiation therapist providing care to those battling cancer. She learned to embrace a new normal after being diagnosed with Crohn’s. disease and uses the power of words to encourage others to see past their darkest day to a brighter horizon.
She is the author of Embracing a New Normal, God Has Drawn The Blueprints Vol I & II, Words That Surround Your Soul devotionals, and a host of blog posts on her website www.RhonieSays.com
PTL Sister Rhonie thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers. Your emails has truly been a blessing to me, God has definitely answered my prayers. Continue to let God use you and be a light in this dark world. I pray God’s blessings and favor over you and your family. Your Sister in Christ,Beverly.