According to an article published by Zephoria Digital marketing, here are some 2017 statistics regarding Facebook:
- 1.37 billion people on average log onto Facebook daily and are considered daily active users
- 50% of 18-24 year-olds go to Facebook as soon as they wake up
- Every 60 seconds, 510,000 comments are posted, 293,000 statuses are updated and 136,000 photos are uploaded
- Photo uploads total 300 million per day
Facebook is only one platform, but we live in an unprecedented era of social media mania. But, how does this impact us spiritually?
To me, Facebook is the equivalent of sitting down with a cup of coffee and gathering together everyone’s opinions about everything under the sun. How crazy is that?! Although there are positives to social media, too often it releases comparison and negativity in the spirit. You see a picture and wonder why you weren’t invited to that event; you find yourself saying, “how can they afford to go on a vacation like that?” “I didn’t know they were of that political party!” “Look at that picture perfect family!” “We are the same age and she has no wrinkles!” “Look at the size of my high school sweetheart’s house; wish I would’ve stayed with him.” and it goes on and on. And many times, you will sort through and process that information the rest of the day.
Someone very wise once said, “Comparison is the thief of joy!” It’s so true!
Less than three decades ago, people did not have cell phones, no personal computers, no internet service in their homes, snapchat, twitter or facebook. The only way to “look up” an old friend was to find their phone number from the white pages or dial information (411) and call them from the phone that was connected to your kitchen wall!
Relationships were FORGED (to form or make, especially by concentrated effort). It took deliberate action, special planning and concentrated effort to form and maintain friendships. I miss this! I miss getting an invitation in the mail to a party, a handwritten birthday card, a personal phone call inviting us to dinner.
I believe God is calling us back to the basics. Back to what Paul called “simple and genuine” faith as we express it to one another. I encourage you to FORGE friendships with other believers. Put in the extra effort. Open up your home, a place at your table, a Friday night for a single mom who may not have plans. Instead of a text, mail a note to someone you are praying for, make a personal call to them so they can hear your voice as you pray for them. Sometimes doing what is meaningful is not fast, easy or convenient, but the extra effort will show how much you value it! Try it!
~Kristine Morgan
The Pastor’s Wife