Counsel #23 — Post with Purpose

Picture: Counsel #23 — Post with PurposeCR 112.1

Beyond funny videos and memes, social media has a huge influence on how we think, act, and view the world. It shapes our social lives, our political views, and our sense of right and wrong, often without us noticing.CR 112.2

Socially, it’s great for staying connected with friends and discovering new ideas, but seeing other people’s stories and life adventures can lead to unhealthy comparisons, taking a toll on self-esteem. When it comes to politics, social media makes it easy to stay informed and share your voice, but the influx of misinformation online doesn’t always make it easy to spot what’s true and what’s not. Morally, social media can inspire people to do good, but online harassment is very prevalent as well. It’s easy to forget there’s a real person behind a screen when people are quick to judge or tear others down. As Christians, we’re called to guard our hearts and minds. That means curating our feed with purpose—unfollowing or blocking content that promotes values contrary to biblical standards, whether it’s content that encourages envy, gossip, crude humor, or immorality. Instead, seek out and engage with content that makes a positive difference. Scroll with intention—and with your faith leading the way.^{[115] https://www.adventistresearch.info/understanding-and-navigating-the-realities-of-social-media/} CR 112.3

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Proverbs 4:23 NIVCR 112.4

“Guard well the talent of speech; for it is a mighty power for evil as well as for good.” Ellen White in In Heavenly Places , p. 174CR 112.5

Reflect: How does social media influence your overall outlook on life?CR 112.6