Balancing Social Media and Faith
Hey y’all,
It’s been so long since I last wrote on this blog—almost a month, which feels like forever for a writer. Honestly, this past month has been a whirlwind. I’ve been busy with work, family matters, and moving out of my parents’ house for the first time. Although I moved out for school before, COVID brought me back home almost immediately, so this is my first official time living on my own. It’s been an interesting and scary process, but I’m excited to be where I am now. I believe God has placed me here for a reason, bringing new and exciting things into my life that I can’t even fathom.
That said, I’m thrilled to be writing again. I’ve been thinking a lot about balancing my faith and social media. I’ve personally struggled with this and continue to do so. I’m not an expert, but I want to share my experiences and how I’ve tried to balance the two. We’re going through this together, I promise.
There are many pros and cons to social media. It’s a great way to meet and connect with people, especially those you wouldn’t encounter in your local area. As a creative, I love seeing what others are doing and finding inspiration from their creativity. However, there are downsides. Seeing all the bad things happening in the world can be overwhelming, making the world feel like it’s crumbling. The Bible says that the world will get worse over time, so it’s not surprising that social media reflects both good and bad. Sometimes, it can affect us more than it should, distorting our view of people and how we treat them.
The biggest issue for me is comparison. I often compare myself to other creatives, doubting my abilities and feeling inadequate. I see others with large followings and established bases and think I can’t measure up. But I know God is calling me to pursue my passions, so I strive to balance social media and faith by having faith itself. James 2:26 says, “Faith without works is dead.” Faith and works are inseparable, and we must act on our faith.
James gives the example of someone in need of food and clothing. Simply wishing them well without providing for their needs accomplishes nothing (James 2:16). Similarly, faith without action is dead. When God calls us to move, we must have faith and follow through with action. If we’re constantly anxious, indecisive, or not seeking God’s guidance, we’re not living in faith.
The Bible says, “In all you do, whether you eat or drink, do it to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). This means putting God first in every decision. I’ve often done things without faith, seeking human praise instead of God’s approval. Balancing social media and faith means prioritizing God above all else.
Here are some practical steps to achieve this balance:
Read your Bible: I struggle with this too. As a Christian, I know I should be on top of it, but I’m human and trying to get closer to God. The first step is reading His word. The Bible says God’s word is living and sharper than any double-edged sword. It’s not just for Sundays or Bible study; take time to sit down, read your Bible, and listen to God.
Daily devotionals: Daily devotionals are more helpful than I thought. I get little messages from God each day when I read one, whether in the morning or afternoon. They help me see God in everyday things and remind me to focus on Him.
Set limits for social media: Set daily limits for social media. I aim for 45 minutes per app. When I reach the limit, I log off and don’t go back for the rest of the day. These limits help me spend more time reading my Bible or praying.
Taking walks: Taking walks is like taking a load off. Whether listening to music, talking to God, or walking in silence, it’s refreshing. When I’m frustrated or struggling, a walk clears my head. I recommend bringing a notepad for any ideas that come up. Nature opens my mind.
Prayer: Prayer is direct communication with our heavenly Father. Talk to God every day, not just once but as often as you can. Whether making breakfast, lying in bed, or driving, talk to God. There’s something different about getting on your knees and talking to God, but there are many ways to pray. It’s a heartfelt conversation.
Schedule posts: Scheduling posts can help reduce social media time. Plan your posts ahead for Instagram and Pinterest. This keeps you on schedule and avoids the rush to post on the day.
Balancing social media and faith can be managed by giving more time to God. Put God first, and everything else comes second. When you give your worries and anxieties to God, you will see changes in your life. I’ve struggled with this, so I understand. Deleting Instagram or avoiding TikTok and Twitter only helped me so much. It was when I started putting God first and recognizing His goodness in me, I began to see it in myself too.
Thank you so much for sticking with me and continuing to read my blog, even after I ghosted y’all for almost a month. I will be more consistent and post once a week so I can learn from y’all and hopefully give you some good tidbits. Please let me know what you think about these steps in the comments, and share any tips you have for balancing faith and social media. Thanks again for reading, and I’ll see y’all next week.
