We were not designed to get our value through “likes” and “shares” any more than we were intended to get our value through smoking tiny dainty cigarettes filled with carcinogens.

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In a society that revels in selfies, filters, and ego it is easy to get lost in the highlight reel of other people. To become focused on self-serving, ego-driven behavior. We are a society of “likes” and “shares” as a form of acceptance. The more “likes” the more worthy. It is an easy trap, social media and advertising companies spend millions of dollars learning how to hit the “feel good” sections of our brain and to pray on us. In a world where we are more connected than ever, there is a raging current of isolation. Can you hear the quiet whisper, “do not try so hard, you were not intended to live this way, just be with Me.”

23 Thus says the Lord:

“Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom,

 Let not the mighty man glory in his might,

 Nor let the rich man glory in his riches;

Jeremiah 9:23 NJKV

You may be wise, you may be mighty, you may be rich but if you feel the raging current of isolation know you are without the one who truly matters. My grandmother smoked Virginia Slims cigarettes. They had a phenomenal marketing campaign, I remember one of their slogan lines, “You’ve come a long way baby.” Several decades later it is easy to see this advertisement for what it was but at the time women embraced this tagline with zeal, it was about self-empowerment. It is so easy to lose our focus when the voices that scream the loudest intend to distract us, lead us astray. 

 24 But let him who glories glory in this,

 That he understands and knows Me,

 That I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the Lord.

Jeremiah 9:24 NJKV

Our Creator is clear on who should get the glory, it is Him. When we focus on ourselves, what we can do, and try to connect to the world by getting others to like us we will always fall short. We were not designed to live that way. We were not designed to get our value through “likes” and “shares” any more than we were intended to get our value through smoking tiny dainty cigarettes filled with carcinogens. We were designed to worship, to love, and to show others, Jesus, through our thoughts and actions. Our soul can feel the difference between fake attention and adoration and the real love of Christ. 

I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

 Marvelous are Your works,

 And that my soul knows very well. 

Psalms 139:14 NKJV 

Lord thank you for your patience with me, I get distracted by the pull of society and seem to need constant reinforcement of what truly matters. You God are what matters and no amount of boasting in my wisdom, strength, or riches will get me closer to you. When I lose my way, remind me, “Do not try so hard, just be with Me.” Let me get my worth from beautiful chunks of scripture like Psalms 139:14 and rest confidently in the peace that can only be found in You. I love you, Jesus. -Amen 

May the words that flow from me Lord be filled with Your message and when I am obedient may they be backed by the Holy Spirit. When I serve righteously let none of the words, I utter in praise of You fall to the ground. Help me to craft every word, may they pierce hearts and refresh weary souls. This gift is Yours; God I simply aim to use it for your glory. –Love Cortney