Facebook
Envy
Spoiler
Alert: Please don’t unfriend me…
Have you ever been green with Facebook envy? I know I can’t
be the only one struggling with looking at pictures of tropical islands in the
dead of winter, couples being in love, children and grandchildren graduating
with highest honors…and these are my friends!
Okay I confess…I’ve been guilty of Facebook envy. I’m
saved, sanctified, used by God in great ways, blessed beyond measure…and yet
there it is—envy. It never lasts long at all, but sometimes it pops up an ugly
face without warning.
Let’s be real…confessing my fault is the first step to
coming out of it. I’ve learned that Facebook photos don’t tell the whole story
either. For all we know behind that same palm tree, families were fighting right
before the photo shot or perhaps they just came out of a wonderful group hug.
What
does it matter?
It’s a beautiful way of sharing what is right with life
at that particular moment in time. There’s plenty of heartbreaking and
depressing news on the Internet for us everyday. How refreshing it is to
witness a wonderful moment in the lives of my friends! In truth, the envy isn’t
really directed towards others as much as myself. Note to self: don’t look at Facebook when having a down day.
What
does scripture teach us in Romans 12:15?
Rejoice
with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
I do rejoice with my brothers and sisters who’ve overcome
many trials to stay in love for decades, with those who are blessed to get away
for a much needed vacation, and with the success stories of their families. The
same God who blessed them also lavishes His favor on me in His perfect timing
and will.
There really is no room for envy in the lives of
believers. We are blessed if the only thing God ever did for us was to send His
Son, Jesus Christ to die for our sins. It’s enough.
There’s great blessing on the lives of those who rejoice
and mourn together in this lifetime. I love my sisters who rejoice with me in
the good times and cry with me in the bad times.
Joy is evident in the Facebook photos because the Lord is
working all things together for good to those who love Him and are called
according to His purpose. So smile!
Crystal, thank you for linking me to this. I hope to see you again soon! I appreciate your thoughts about FB envy. Of course we all have been there. I have seen comments around the internet about how FB causes us to paint a false picture of ourselves, but I look at and make FB posts the same way I would read a Christmas letter. If I have a disagreement with a family member or am discouraged in parenting, I wouldn't air that on FB--I would share that over a cup of coffee in a booth at Panera, face-to-face. FB (IMHO) is not the place to "be real" with others. When I read posts by those who want to make it be that, I often think, "Ewww, TMI. Please, come talk to me in person." Bless you, friend!
ReplyDeleteThank you Crystal!
ReplyDeleteCrystal, this message is so appropriate! I realized a few years ago that it is so easy to look at the pictures on Facebook and think others have a perfect life. Someone commented on one of my pictures, something along the line of "it looks like you have a wonderful life." Little did she realize the chaos and heartache I was going through at that time in my life. I too struggle at times with looking at other's pictures and envying their life. I then bring myself back to that realization I had a few years ago. However, your post took it a step further. I am blessed no matter what happens in my life! Jesus Christ gave me everlasting life. I am also so blessed to live in a free country where I have the freedom to practice my faith--why me! Yes, I can celebrate the successes of my friends and family, knowing that God has enough blessings for all of us. ;)
ReplyDeleteHi! Thank you! I have also had FB Envy. For me, I went cold turkey and have not been there in awhile. I am also guilty of posting photos that would make my life seem better than it is and not on purpose. That is when I realized a picture does not show what goes on behind the screen or in the heart of a person. The next time I go there, i will enjoy the beauty of others sharing, not be concerned about their motive (bragging, really?) and be happy for those who are happy and sad for those who post sad! thank you for your blog.
ReplyDeleteI use to have face book envy. I'd read about how some people could perfectly txt about there feelings and how there life's going,great sayings and all. I would scroll on and we'll I just could not get that savy until recently a beautiful moment of clarity Jesus Christ.i now can share my feelings and embrace facebook envy.
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