Counsel #14 — Christ Over Content

Picture: Counsel #14 — Christ Over ContentCLi 24.1

What we give our attention to daily becomes what we value most. If we spend hours scrolling through Instagram, comparing ourselves to fitness models, sports heroes, or entrepreneurs, we train our minds to return to these sources, creating dependency and eventually, addiction.CLi 24.2

The most common causes of social media addiction include a lack of affection, low self-esteem, dissatisfaction, and depression—struggles many young people face. Social media’s instant gratification makes it particularly addictive. Every moment, thousands of videos and pictures are uploaded, liked, and shared, reinforcing the perceived worth of “likes.” In this world, a “like” can feel as validating as acing an exam. Each like triggers a dopamine surge, drawing users back repeatedly.CLi 24.3

To escape this cycle, we must instead devote ourselves to Christ, apart from work, school, or our extracurriculars. Praying, studying the Bible, and doing devotionals will bring a lasting peace far greater than any app can ever offer.^{[21]https://www.journalofadventisteducation.org/2016.4.7}CLi 24.4

“I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13 NIVCLi 24.5

“The time thus spent in the gratification of selfish desires might be employed in obtaining a knowledge of the Word of God, in cultivating our talents, that we might render intelligent service to our Creator… God will not share a divided heart. If the world absorbs our attention, He cannot reign supreme.” Ellen White in That I May Know Him, p. 322CLi 24.6

Reflect: How much time do you spend on social media each day in comparison to how much time you spend with God?CLi 24.7