Navigating Our Digital Age (Genesis 11)

In a world where our lives are increasingly lived online, the lines between reality and virtuality blur, leaving us to navigate a complex digital landscape. Our social media feeds are inundated with perfectly curated images, compelling us to compare, to chase after likes, to build a brand out of our very beings. But in this relentless pursuit, what are we truly seeking?

Not long ago, news broke that 33 states have taken a stand against Facebook, now known as Meta, accusing the social media giant of knowingly endangering the well-being of its users for profit. This unprecedented legal challenge throws into sharp relief a question that lurks in the shadows of our daily scrolls and likes: At what cost do we engage with these platforms? What is the true impact of our digital footprints on our hearts, our minds, and our souls?

Today, we embark on a journey through Scripture, visiting ancient towers, fallen kings, and the opulence of wisdom itself gone astray. We'll explore the stories of the Tower of Babel, the fall of Saul, and Solomon's folly, each a mirror reflecting our own struggles in the age of social media. These narratives invite us to ponder a critical question: Are we building monuments to ourselves, to others, or to the ephemeral allure of material possessions? Or are we called to something greater, something eternal?

As we look into these biblical lessons, let us consider how we might navigate the digital age with purpose and integrity. How can we, as followers of Christ, use social media not as a tool for self-glorification but as a platform for glorifying God? How do we ensure that our online presence reflects our true identity as image bearers of the Divine?

Join me as we seek answers, guided by the enduring wisdom of God's Word. Let's discover together how to live authentically and purposefully in a world captivated by the next post, the next like, the next fleeting moment of digital validation. Let's find out how to truly set our hearts on God and His glory in the digital age.

I. The Monument to Self (Genesis 11:1-9)

Genesis 11:1-9 - The Tower of Babel: Humanity's Earliest Monument to Self Let's dive deep into the heart of our narrative today, the story of the Tower of Babel, found in Genesis 11:1-9. This ancient tale, more than just a historical account, speaks volumes to our contemporary struggles with digital idolatry. Here, we observe humanity united in a singular mission—to build a tower reaching the heavens, not to honor God, but to "make a name for ourselves." This endeavor represents one of the earliest manifestations of human pride and the desire for self-glorification. This story is humanity's direct challenge to God's command to fill the earth. Instead of spreading out and fulfilling their divine mandate, the people sought to centralize their power and glory in one place. God's response was to confuse their language, scattering them across the earth and halting their project.

Application to Social Media

The Tower of Babel story is profoundly relevant in the age of social media. Just as the builders sought to make a name for themselves, social media often becomes a platform for self-promotion and the construction of an idealized self-image. We post highlights of our lives, curate our feeds to reflect a certain persona, and measure our worth by the engagement we receive. This can lead to a cycle of comparison and validation-seeking that pulls us away from our true identity in Christ.

The essence of the Babel project—unity in ambition, pride, and self-glorification—finds a parallel in how social media can unify people in the pursuit of acclaim and recognition. But just as God intervened at Babel, He calls us to a different path—one that values humility, genuine connection, and the glorification of God above all.

Lesson

The lesson from Babel is clear: when our efforts are directed towards making much of ourselves, we miss out on the joy and purpose found in making much of God. Our identities should not be built on the shaky foundations of social media metrics but on the solid rock of our relationship with God. This story challenges us to examine our motives on social media and to ask ourselves whether our online presence reflects our true purpose—to glorify God and serve others.

Practical Steps

• Intentionality in Posting: Before sharing, consider if your post reflects values that glorify God or if it's aimed at self-promotion. Aim to share content that encourages, uplifts, or showcases God's work in your life. Ask yourself, “Am I doing this to seek validation?”
• Engagement with Purpose: Engage with others on social media in a way that mirrors Jesus' command to love our neighbors. Use your platform to support, encourage, and share positive, faith-filled content.
• Digital Sabbath: Regularly take breaks from social media to reconnect with God and those around you in the real world. Use this time to reflect, pray, and seek God's direction for your life, free from the noise and distractions of online platforms.

⠀In building our digital "towers," let's remember the core of our identity is not found in the approval of others but in God's unchanging love for us. May our social media use be a reflection of His glory, not our own.

Proverbs 4:23 (ESV) — 23 Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.

II. The Monument To Others (1 Samuel 15)

Story Summary

In 1 Samuel 15, we find King Saul at a pivotal moment in his reign and his walk with God. Commanded by God to utterly destroy the Amalekites and leave nothing alive, Saul instead spares King Agag and the best of the livestock. When confronted by Samuel, Saul's response reveals his true fear: "I feared the people and obeyed their voice." Here, Saul chooses human approval over obedience to God, a decision that leads to his rejection as king.

Application to Social Media

Saul's fear of the people's opinion over God's command mirrors a modern dilemma intensified by social media: the fear of missing out (FOMO), the desire for approval, and the weight we give to others' opinions. Social media platforms, brimming with influencers, opinions, and trends, can easily sway our beliefs, actions, and sense of self-worth. We, like Saul, may find ourselves making decisions—or crafting our online personas—based on what we think will garner the most approval, rather than what aligns with our faith and values.

Consider how easily a scroll through your feed can shift your mood, influence your purchases, or even alter your convictions, subtly steering you away from God's desires towards society's expectations. It's a silent but potent form of peer pressure, where the fear of being left out, criticized, or unfollowed can dictate our online—and by extension, our real-life—choices.

Lesson

The fall of Saul teaches us the peril of placing human opinion above divine command. It's a sobering reminder to evaluate whose voices we're allowing to shape us. Are we more concerned with likes, comments, and the validation of peers, or with living in a way that pleases God?

In navigating social media, let's strive to be more like Daniel, who, despite the pressures of a foreign culture and the king's decree, resolved not to defile himself (Daniel 1:8). This doesn't mean withdrawing from social media altogether but approaching it with discernment. It means being mindful of who we follow, the content we consume, and the voices we allow into our lives.

Practical Steps

• Curate your feed: Follow accounts that inspire, uplift, and encourage your faith and values. Limit exposure to content that pulls you away from God. Remove friends that pull you away from godliness and spur on feelings of defiance or rebellion against God’s commands.
• Pause before scrolling/posting: Consider the reason you are opening up your phone to scroll social media. Why allow yourself to be influenced by people? Also, what is the motive behind your posts. Are you seeking approval, or are you aiming to share something true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8)?
• Seek Help From Godly Friends: Find friends or family members who can help navigate your social media use, someone you can discuss your online interactions with openly and honestly. Be willing to share your problem with friends who can help. Work together to overcome negative thoughts or feelings that have been created by social media influencers or by our own will and desires.

⠀In conclusion, let Saul's story be a caution to us. May we choose to stand firm in our faith, valuing God's approval over the fleeting acceptance of man. As we engage with social media, let's do so as ambassadors for Christ, reflecting His love and truth in a world that desperately needs it.

III. The Monument To Stuff (1 Kings 11)

Story Summary

King Solomon, known for his unparalleled wisdom, wealth, and power, tragically illustrates the danger of trusting in material possessions over God. Despite receiving wisdom and blessings from God, Solomon's heart was led astray by his wealth, foreign wives, and their gods. His reliance on material wealth and alliances, contrary to God's commandments, led to idolatry and ultimately the division of his kingdom. Solomon's story teaches us that even the wisest and most blessed individuals can fall if they place their trust in "stuff" rather than in God.

Application to Social Media

In today's context, Solomon's folly is mirrored in the way social media amplifies our desires for material possessions through constant exposure to advertisements and lifestyle influencers. Platforms are designed to keep us wanting more, fueling a cycle of comparison and dissatisfaction. This can lead us to trust in material wealth for our happiness and identity, much like Solomon, rather than finding our contentment in God.

Social media, with its endless showcase of possessions, vacations, and seemingly perfect lives, can easily become our modern-day "high places" of worship—places where our hearts are led astray from God. The danger lies not in the possessions themselves but in allowing them to occupy the place in our hearts that should be reserved for God alone.

Lesson

Solomon's story is a cautionary tale reminding us to guard our hearts against the seduction of materialism and the false sense of security it offers. Our true value and identity come not from what we own or display on social media but from our relationship with God. We are called to find our contentment and joy in Him, recognizing that everything we have is a gift to be used for His glory, not our own.

Practical Steps

• Contentment Practice: Cultivate contentment by regularly expressing gratitude for what you have. Consider keeping a gratitude journal, focusing on the blessings God has given you rather than what you lack.
• Generosity as a Lifestyle: Use your resources to bless others. Generosity breaks the hold of materialism and shifts our focus from accumulating more for ourselves to serving others.
• Mindful Consumption: Be mindful of how much time you spend on social media platforms that fuel desires for material possessions. Set limits for yourself and be intentional about following accounts that encourage a godly perspective on wealth and possessions.

⠀In navigating our modern "kingdoms" of wealth and digital influence, let's choose to build our lives on the firm foundation of God's wisdom, rather than the shifting sands of material wealth. May Solomon's story inspire us to seek a heart fully devoted to God, using the blessings He provides to glorify Him and bless others.

Given the overarching theme of confronting the dangers of social media as illustrated through biblical narratives, let's outline practical steps for a general approach to social media that encourages using this tool for God's glory. These steps are informed by broader principles found in research, insights from best-selling authors, and effective practices for healthy social media use.

IV. Biblical Principles for Navigating Social Media

Principle of Purpose: Engage With Intention

• Set Clear Intentions: Before logging on, define your purpose for using social media. Is it to connect with friends and family, share encouragement, or gain useful information?
• Content Creation with Value: Ensure that the content you create and share starts with a clear 'why' that reflects your faith and values. Aim to produce content that uplifts, educates, or inspires your audience towards positive action.

Principle of Love: Foster Meaningful Connections

• Engage Authentically: Don’t think of connecting on social media as equivalent with connecting in person. They are not the same! But when you do engage, practice authentic engagement by responding thoughtfully to posts, sharing content that resonates with Christ's love and kindness.
• Support and Encourage: Use your platform to support others' endeavors, share their achievements, and offer encouragement. This aligns with the biblical call to "encourage one another and build each other up" (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Make your social media interactions a source of light and positivity.

Principle of Wisdom: Exercise Discernment

• Limit Time Spent: Set specific limits on your daily social media use. This helps prevent overconsumption and ensures that your time online is intentional and meaningful. Some of us might need to set up barriers of entry by deleting apps from our phones.
• Curate Your Feed: Actively curate your feed to include content that enriches your life and aligns with your values. Find quality by subtracting the people and groups that don’t meet a standard you set. Unfollow accounts that lead to negative emotions or distract you from your goals, keeping your digital environment healthy and inspiring. Don’t feel like you have to follow everyone or engage with everyone.

Principle of Discernment: Promote Truth and Honesty

• Fact-Check Before Sharing: In an age of misinformation, take responsibility for the content you share. Ensure that it's accurate, truthful, and aligns with biblical principles of honesty and integrity. If we share something false, we project gullibility to the world and no one will take us seriously.
• Reflect Before Reacting: Encountering controversial or upsetting content online can prompt immediate reactions. Take a moment to reflect and pray before responding, ensuring that your replies are thoughtful, measured, and aligned with your Christian values. Be careful to consider how your reaction will affect the one you are speaking to and those observing.

Application: Living Out Our Faith on Social Media

These practical steps, rooted in biblical principles and supported by insights from respected authors, offer a roadmap for navigating social media in a way that honors God. By engaging with purpose, fostering meaningful connections through love, exercising wisdom in our digital consumption, and promoting truth and honesty, we can transform our social media use into a powerful tool for glorifying God and serving others.