Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives, and it has transformed the way we interact with the world around us. However, social media can also be a double-edged sword. While it has enabled us to connect with people from all over the world, it can also tempt us to focus more on the state of the church in the world than what God may be doing in our own local church – the church to which He has specifically called us.
As Christians, it is essential to remember that God has called us to be a part of a local church community.
Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it.
1 Corinthians 12:27 (NASB95)
This means that we are all called to be an integral part of a local church, and God has a specific purpose for us in that community.
However, with the rise of social media, it can be easy to get caught up in what is happening in other churches around the world. We may find ourselves scrolling through social media feeds, reading about the latest megachurch, or following popular Christian influencers. While there is nothing inherently wrong with this, it can be a distraction from what God may be doing in our own local church.
When we focus too much on the state of the church in the world, we can become critical of our own local church community. We may compare our church to others, feeling as though our church is not doing enough or is not as exciting as others. This can lead to feelings of discontentment and disillusionment, and it can ultimately hinder our ability to fully engage in the community God has called us to.
Furthermore, when we focus too much on what is happening in other churches, we can miss out on the blessings that God has for us in our own church. We may miss out on opportunities to serve and love our brothers and sisters in Christ, and we may miss out on the ways that God is working in our own community.
As parents and teenagers, it is especially important to recognize the value of our local church community. Our church should be a place where we can grow in our faith, connect with others who share our beliefs, and serve others in our community. We should encourage our children and teens to get involved in the life of the church, whether it be through youth group, volunteering, or attending services regularly.
In conclusion, while social media can be a great tool for connecting with others and staying informed about what is happening in the world, it can also be a distraction from what God may be doing in our own local church community. As Christians, we must remember that God has called us to be a part of a local church and to serve and love our brothers and sisters in Christ. By focusing on our own local church, we can fully engage in the community God has called us to and experience the blessings that come with being a part of a vibrant, Christ-centered community.
Lance M. Morgan 