What is it that drives us to want more, and do more? What is it that prompts us to hold out our cup as though we are asking others to fill it?
It could be our need for affirmation and praise. Or it could be that we crave to be a part of something bigger.
Whatever it is, wanting to do more equates to an increase in responsibility, setting aside the schedules we already have, and spending less time with those who matter most.
Sometimes in the midst of wanting to do something different or changing direction we find ourselves caught up in the trappings of what someone else has or is doing.
Being able to do it all and have it all may seem wonderful at first, but is it worth the sacrifices or the contentment you’ve come to know and love.
A perfect example of this is keeping up with friends and family through social media. It’s nice to read about all the things they are doing. Sometimes their post announces an achievement or some good fortune, and lots of people weigh in with positives.
And then when we become excited about something and post it on social media no one responds.
This could be an indication that we are looking to be filled up as the world would see it rather than how Christ would.
In Present Over Perfect, author Shauna Niequist mentions that we are perfectly content at home on the couch with a pizza, a movie and our husbands until we scroll through social media and see a friend out at a nice restaurant and then we think our lives are boring or less than.
It’s like the green-eyed monster marches straight for our hearts screaming, ‘why can’t that be me.’
What someone else has going on may look good momentarily, but what does the reality look like?
God’s word tells us in Galatians 1:10, “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
Life can present challenges and temptations but we should never let ourselves get caught up in trying to live someone else’s life when it’s best just to be our real, authentic self. I hope we never lose sight of who we belong to and all that He has provided.
In Luke 14:11 (MSG) “But if you’re content to be simply yourself, you will become more than yourself.”
Tweet ThisWe should never let this world push us or convince us to pursue something because it fills our cup. Only Jesus Christ can do that.
Let’s continue to be intentional in our efforts to remain focused on God and all that He has for us in each season. I pray that our actions, attitude, and thoughts honor Him.
Please pray with me–Lord, thank you for all you have blessed us with. Thank you for giving us your word to stand on when untruths and deception casts a cloud over us. We know that your ways are always higher and your plans are always good.
*A special thank you to my friend, Jodie Barrett, for providing wisdom through words for this post.
This is a trap many of us unknowingly fall into. You are right – social media can send our thoughts down a dangerous path of discontentment if we let it. Great post today!
Thank you Kristine. We just have to be very intentional and prayerful about where our time goes.
Mitzi, you have filled this piece with truth that speaks to me. Thank you!
Mitzi, this is so true!! And even when we are experiencing lovely moments for ourselves, how disturbed is it that we feel compelled to interrupt those moments to show it to others ASAP? I have only been on social media for less than a year and I am already disgusted with it in some ways. Thank you for reminding me that I should not give way to the race for validation and attention. Great post!
Thank you Gretchen for the kind words and I’m so glad you were encouraged. The world is a tough place and I too get tired of all the ugly and inappropriate talk on social media. So I’ve made it priority to surround myself with women of faith and through getting to know one another either in person or face-to-face I am able to focus on what’s important. We should do nothing to validate this world, but instead give the Glory to God for who He is and for what He does in our lives. I look forward to keeping up with you.