Not too long ago I was scouring my social media accounts looking for Christian and homeschooling posts, when I thought to myself…WOW, I am amazed at how many people post, like, and comment all day, everyday! Don’t they have jobs, families, friends, hobbies..a life? It reminded me of having an addiction. Although it might not be the same as the addictions that can alter your thinking, none-the-less IT IS AN ADDICTION! It is as strong of an addiction as any other drug if you really think about it!
I decided to look up the definitions of addiction & drug to verify my thinking:
ad·dic·tion | əˈdikSH(ə)n | noun | :the fact or condition of being addicted to a particular substance, thing, or activity.
drug \’drəg| noun | :something and often an illegal substance that causes addiction, habituation, or a marked change in consciousness.
Hhmmm…this got me to stop and think about my own habits. I am by no means perfect, I, too, used to have an electronics addiction (internet, television, my blog, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter)…you name it, I probably had it!!!
Every new year I vow to spend less time on my social media accounts and more time with God & my loved ones. Every year I do spend less & less time on them…for a while anyhow. Old habits die hard!
{1 Corinthians 10:12-13} If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.
Let me just be real for a moment…some of the people I know personally on my social media accounts “paint a picture”of a “perfect & happy life” when that is far from reality. Although, some people post and share pleasant things that I truly enjoy, I still have a big majority of people who like to “pretend” to be someone they are not, others that are always “airing their dirty laundry” for attention, the complainers, the “selfie” people, the cheaters, the stalkers, the addicts, and then you have the ones who are opinionated about everything! Phew, this made my soul uneasy and put me into a bad mood, so I had to block people & cut my friend list constantly to try to find some peace.
{1 Corinthians 15:33-34} Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for “bad company corrupts good character.” Think carefully about what is right, and stop sinning. For to your shame I say that some of you don’t know God at all.
It’s very unsettling to think that many people “bury” their heads in the internet or their phone, that they have to have their “fix” just as any other “drug.” They have this need to get acceptance & reassurance from “strangers” rather than taking the time to spend quality time (without their phone or internet) with their loved ones sitting in the next room or on the couch next to them!
I realized that most of my social media accounts did not bring me joy like God, my family, and friends did (there is nothing better than good old-fashioned personal interactions)! That this internet “addiction” was my top priority and I was “unplugged” from what mattered most. And the worst thing was, I was not being a good role model to my children, for they were picking up my bad habits! Ugh…
{Psalms 101:2-7} I will be careful to live a blameless life— when will you come to help me? I will lead a life of integrity in my own home.
I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar. I hate all who deal crookedly; I will have nothing to do with them.
I will reject perverse ideas and stay away from every evil. I will not tolerate people who slander their neighbors.
I will not endure conceit and pride. I will search for faithful people to be my companions.
Only those who are above reproach will be allowed to serve me.
I will not allow deceivers to serve in my house, and liars will not stay in my presence.
My internet addiction had a strong choke hold on me! It was my “drug” of choice, and it lead me to become more disconnected from God & my loved ones. I decided that I needed, no, I wanted to UNPLUG FROM THE DRUG & PLUG INTO LIFE again! Now don’t get me wrong…I still check my social media accounts (very rarely), post to my Christian pages, work on my blog, read my Bible devotions, use my prayer app, research information, and prepare for homeschool, but the internet is no longer my “drug!” I finally realized that I DID NOT need acceptance from anyone but God, myself, and my family! That “false” sense of acceptance from my social media accounts no longer mattered to me!
{Psalms 118:8} It is better to trust in the Lord than to trust in people.
Sigh What a huge relief…MY ADDICTION WAS CURED! With a lot of hard work & much praying, I went from 4-6 hours a day on my social media accounts to less than 2 hours a week…HALLELUJAH! I enjoy life again..I enjoy even the little conversations with my loved ones, I enjoy listening to our boys singing their made up songs, their prayers, and I enjoy watching their animated faces light up when they giggle at something amusing. I am “present” more!
Just a reminder that God does not want us to have other idols.
{Jonah 2:8} “Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from Godʼs love for them.
We are not promised a long life, but God gave us other people to make life more beautiful and tolerable. So enjoy reading the Bible, praying, date nights, family game/ movie nights, visiting your family & friends, going on a hike, playing with your children/grandchildren, live more, laugh more, and be present more! Do not have regrets about your life!
{James 4:14} How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.
Every minute you spend on your phone, the internet, or your social media accounts is another minute lost with God & your loved ones! And unfortunately it is time that is wasted and that you cannot get back! So, STOP & CHERISH YOUR BLESSINGS & THANK GOD FOR EVERY ONE!
{Matthew 24:25} See, I have warned you about this ahead of time.
Addiction Prayer:
Dear Lord, Please forgive me for putting _______(other things) before you! Please lead me to grow closer to you and the ones who truly matter. Lord, help me to break free from the activities & situations that are needless…to walk away from my sinful ways! Bring me the peace that only you can provide and drop the “false sense” of acceptance from others! Provide me with the strength to eliminate the addictive strongholds in my life! And help me to recognize and cherish the blessings you have given me!
In Jesus’ precious name…Amen!
I want to challenge you to reduce your “addiction” little by little every week, until you feel peace. I want you to UNPLUG FROM THE DRUG & PLUG-IN TO LIFE!
Please read my post I Challenge You to Unplug that has a prayer to help you “unplug” and a video from Trent Shelton.
Love & blessings,
Blessed Mama
