Lately I've been thinking about my priorities and it's become pretty clear that I have a problem. A social media problem. Almost every night before I go to bed and even some mornings before I get out of bed, I grab my phone and scroll through Facebook, Twitter, etc. I do it on break at work and when I'm sitting and waiting for anything. I'm not even sure why I do it, because honestly I probably am not concerned with what whoever ate for breakfast or the latest drama, but I do it anyway.
Well not anymore. God has been working on my heart and on making HIM my life's priority. Sometimes I say things like "I really need to read the Bible more, I just feel like I never have time" or "I want to read the Bible at night/in the morning, but I'm so tired." News flash: if I wasn't playing around on social media apps, I'd have plenty of time to read the Bible. That's the honest truth for a lot of us.
So I did it.
That's right. Facebook is gone. And Twitter. And a few other silly games. (I never had a Pinterest app!) Not completely, just as apps on my phone. I honestly do love Facebook for allowing such an easy way to keep in touch with people, but I don't want it to be a priority in my life. Now if I have a little bit of free time, I can use it to read the Bible, pray and sing worship songs.
I even downloaded a Bible app, so I really have no excuse to ever be "too busy" to delve into scripture. If I want my life to reflect the Lord, I need to be feeding it daily with the Lord's word. What I put into my mind, will come out through my words and actions. I need to treat my relationship with Christ like any other relationship...it needs my time and attention to flourish and grow. I can't expect to apply His word to my daily life if I never read it or study it.
I'll still be on my computer at home checking in on Facebook and Twitter. And definitely still around on Blogger. But I really just needed to do a little "social media diet" to make sure that Christ was my priority. Christ, then family and friends. That's what matters.
I challenge y'all to take a look at your own lives and see where social media stands on y'alls priority lists. I know it's hard to believe, but there really is more to life than status updates and tweets! : )
PS: I don't even miss the apps on my phone! It's actually pretty freeing.
58 comments:
I think you're on to something. So many times, we're sitting around at night and Ken's looking up things on the iPad and I'm just going through all my social networks on my iPhone, and honestly - I'm tired of it. I don't know if I can pull the plug completely on facebook (as much as I would really love to), but I CAN take the app off of my phone. I can always text the people that are important to me - like you! ;)
I've thought of deleting Facebook completely from my phone and from the computer, but I haven't reached that point just yet. I think it's great that you did though because it's a well deserved break so that you can connect with Christ more!! I may try this soon :)
I definitely need to follow in your lead on this one! Luckily I have a old iPhone that barely works so I don't really use it for social media but I am guilty of checking into all of these places during E's nap time when I could and should be doing other things! I made it my goal to read the entire Bible this year and I've yet to finish a chapter. That's embarrassing! Thanks Megan for making me think a little bit harder about how I spend my free time!
Great job!!
I don't even have a smartphone so no apps for me... My husband gave his iphone back to his office because he didn't want it to control his life anymore. So I get what you're dealing with!
thats sooo great megan!! I salute you! :) I too USED to have a social media problem.. but like you.. I deleted my apps.. and took a break!! good for you!! (: you'll like the free time!
x.
I deleted my Facebook app too and it's been amazing! I honestly don't even miss it on my phone. Funny how that works, huh? You feel the need to check it constantly when it's there just because, and then when it's gone it's like it doesn't even matter.
Good for you! I've thought about deleting Facebook in the past, but didn't want to be completely out of touch (let's face it, I'm nosy and like to see what's going on). I never thought about just deleting it from my phone, might have to try that!
Neat!!! hmmmm might have to try this :)
Way to go! I don't have a fancy phone so that helps but I could see how it could suck you in!
OH EM GOODNESS did this post speak to me. I only recently joined twitter, but now find myself checking facebook and twitter ALL the time on my phone.
I agree, they are both great tools for staying in touch with people, but GREAT drains on my time. I need to be more present and to appreciate each and EVERY moment I have here on this earth.
You have inspired me to download a Bible app too, thanks!
xoxo
You're awesome. I totally agree with you. I actually permanently deleted my Facebook a few months ago and it was hard (at first) but I love not having it now! I just finished a book called "30 days to live" and its awesome. Easy way to tie in a few minutes a day of devotionals. Totally recommend it! Have an amazing day!
Social media can definitely take over if you let it! I give you props for deleting yours :D
That's awesome!! I have been thinking of doing the samething!
so true! I think prioritizing can be so hard, but so refreshing! I started this since finishing school a couple weeks ago, and I feel a million times more in sync with Jesus and less focused on who's saying what about what :)
So so proud of you and I love seeing how the Lord is working on you and through you!!! It's so inspiring and so encouraging!! Life is always so much more abundant when Jesus is really, REALLY, first in our lives. I love you!!!
Megan, my book to you begins...now. ;)
God is truly working in your heart or you wouldn't have come to this conclusion. I think social media is a blessing and a curse. ;) I actually COMPLETELY deleted my FB account 2 years ago. (I only had it for 5 months anyway.) At first I missed it, mainly because I felt it was a way I could express myself and of course, connect with others, but I always joked that I would never post ridiculous info like "I just brushed my teeth" or "I'm going to Target now." Lol. You know I'm a creative person, and I found FB to be sort of an outlet for me. After deleting it is when I started my blog. (Ha!) BUT...even with my little ol' blog I have had to be careful of the time I spend on it and others'. (I'm sure I could have a bigger blog if I did all the social stuff, but I truly don't even have time for it.)
A little over a year ago I made the conscious decision to DAILY read my Bible. I humbly say, I've always had a heart for God (much thanks to the prayers of my parents) and talk to Him constantly throughout the day (you know, "pray without ceasing")...but like you, I was very bad about making time to spend in His Word. I realize now I was missing out on so much!!! Now, every morning (but for a handful of times) I begin my day reading my Bible (after kids are at school and hub is at work...meaning the house is nice and quiet). I don't say this to sound "high and mighty"...not at all...just to say I have seen such a huge growth in my personal walk with Him since I started doing this. I also started writing and underlining in my Bible [GASP!] ;) I love it! Before I wanted it to look nice and pretty. Now I realize I want it to be my tool. I want it to be used! I love flipping through the pages and seeing the verses I've underlined that God put in my heart to remember.
As I read your post, a few verses came to mind. Thought these were perfect! (And gee, they're ones that I just HAPPENED to have underlined. Coincidence? No such thing. ;) These are from my New Living Translation Bible (love it!)...called Touch Point Bible (subtitled: God's Word at Your Point of Need).
Colossians 3:2 - "Let heaven fill your thoughts. Do not think only about things down here on earth. For you [our sinful nature] died when Christ died, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God."
2 Timothy 3:16-17 "All Scripture is inspired by God [or God breathed] and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God's way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do."
And the last one which is like God flashing a neon sign in our driveway (LOL!):
1 John 5:21 - "Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God's place in your hearts."
Um, yeah. I don't think it gets much clearer than that, huh? ;) FB isn't "bad". Twitter isn't "bad"...ice cream isn't "bad"...haha...but any one of these, when they become a greater focus than our relationship with the Lord, become idols. I'm just as guilty as the next person. We all do it, but I'm so thankful for His Word which "straightens me out".
And you thought some of my OTHER comments were the longest in history. ;) Have a very blessed day, Megan. God is using you, even in this post, for His glory. Thank you for being faithful to Him! Love you, my friend.
So, did you post or tweet "deleted my FB App" as your most recent update? Lol!
With more and more social media outlets popping up every week, it's so easy to get overwhelmed and sucked into a non-personal world online. Sometimes taking a break from all that is so relaxing, puts you at ease. Enjoy :-)
Good for you! I never really got too much into Twitter, I have the app on my phone but don't know where it is.... and facebook is a hit or miss thing for me :). But yey!
So proud of you. I've been off facebook for a while now and it is AMAZING!!
As you probably know, I gave up fb and pinterest for Lent. (Don't usually do lent, but felt called to do so.) It was very nice to have a clearer mind and I didn't miss it desperately. I also had the idea of deleting the facebook app if I started noticing that I'm on it too much. I really need to step back and evaluate that now...I may need to delete it, too. I've had the bible app for a good while and it is extremely shameful how often I go to all the other apps instead. :(
Yay for you!! I recently deleted my Google+ page and I haven't missed it one bit! :) I have cut down on my blogging time too...
I hope you have a great week! :)
xo
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Good for you!! My hubby still struggles with this....
The best bible apps I've found are you version bible and blue letter bible....they are pretty fun!!
I don't even have a smart phone, but I know that I spend way too much time caring about social media stuff...this is great inspiration!
Oh my word I can relate to this so well. I'm constantly convicted about how much time I'm spending on Facebook, blogs, or just the internet itself. When I think about it, it's crazy the endless amounts of time each day that I devote to blogs and Facebook, rather than my relationships, house duties, etc. thank you so much for allowing God to use you in a way that convicted and spoke to mys heart! I appreciate you so much!! You are a blessing to me. Happy day!
XO
it is amazing the amount of time that is freed up when it isn't spend on social media. it is also so surprising the amount of time i use to spend on it. not anymore :)
I recently did this too, Meg and my life has HONESTLY changed. It's incredible isn't it? :) So happy for you xo
Good for you!! I've never been on Facebook and my tweeting is almost nonexistent but I do love checking my email to see of I have any new comment or see if my comments have comments. What bible app did you choose and do you like it? Thanks!
I was like that too & sometimes still am but I'm definitely not spending nearly as much time on FB or Twitter like I used to. I like to keep up with people but it's not the main thing in my life. I'm still on track with reading the Bible in a year too.
I've done this to some extent (deleted Facebook & Google Reader) from my phone. But I'm thinking I need to go a few steps further, thanks for the encouragement to take the next step!
Ooo I'll have to check out that Bible app! Great idea!
love it
i love you are following God's voice asking you to spend more time with him. way to listen to Him Megan!! you are storing up treasures in heaven by spending more time with Him
Good for you girl! I have the bible app and I love it!
Ahhh you are so speaking my language. I have done some serious confessing lately that social media is on it's way to becoming a bit of an idol for me. I'm concerned about the amount of time I'm spending scrolling through Instagram versus diving into the Word. At the end of the day, I know Christ will bring me joy, peace, love, all of the things worth anything in this life. And Instagram? Well, I'm not quite sure what that adds, except a place to put pretty pictures. Which is kind of bragging, right? So basically, I've been doing alot of thinking too, thanks for putting it into words. Love your posts :) And you!
I have wanted to delete my facebook for the longest time! for this exact reason. I don't use it as much as I used to, but I keep it solely because all my friends are pretty much in Cali and it is my easiest way to stay up top date on the little things in their lives. I love this post though and what your doing!
I have seen so many people talk about breaking from social media, and it really makes me think about it too. Like you, I grab my phone the second I wake up and lay in bed and catch up on my timeline. Half of the stuff I read on there isn't even important, but I just do it out of habit! Thanks for the reality check :)
Amen sister! I'm reading the book Crazy love by Francis Chan and it was talking about this same thing...we give God our leftovers and that is not okay!
good for you, girl! i've been needing to cut back and i finally did over the last weekend. hoping i can keep taking a step back and keep social media from being a top priority.
I love that your doing this. It's amazing what we can accomplish when we put other things before social media. I've quit checking Twitter on the weekends and I love it.
It sounds like you made the right choice! Good for you!
I know exactly what you mean! I de-activated my facebook for months, and just recently came back. Although I do feel like I'm online way too much and I hate it! I need more simplicity!
This is great. I've been trying to spend less time on facebook and blogger, too. It gets addicting, but it's not where my priorities are.
Megan you are such an inspiration. I make excuses all the time why i'm "too busy" to read my Bible and do my Bible study....I knew I typed in your blog URL for a reason today....very encouraging friend!
LOVE LOVE LOVE this!! i honestly take a media time out on weekends! no computer...i post date my blog so it will upload any post i want during the weekend. and i use the time for me...for god...and most importantly for the things that i just need to do to keep my life in balance after a busy week. def so happy you are on a social media diet! i def know how it feels to put your priorities in check!
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http://mscomposure.blogspot.com
Download the daily Bible app!! I start every morning with a Bible verse using that app. We've (Mike & I) been trying to put our phones down more it's insane how attached we are to technology!
I love this! Good for you! I suspended my Facebook account for a few months a while ago and it felt like a huge relief. Then I reactivated it... so... I'm not sure what that says.
What's your favorite book of the Bible?
Gosh, here's something crazy! So obviously, I ditched FB in January and have been SOOOO much happier because of it. I'm out of the loop now but seriously, don't care.
But I have twitter...plus the app on my phone and I'm checking it constantly. When i'm bored especially..but I never ever ever ever considered to tap my bible app I have on there...on the 2nd page!!
Its not even on my front page. Gosh, what is wrong with me. So thank you. Cause now those moments of down time at work (which are frequent) I'll be reading my bible app instead of constantly seeing the latest unnecessary tweet or picture.
THANK YOU for boppin' me in the head.
Emily at Amazing Grapes c
I've been toying around with the idea of deleting those apps... I am so bad about it! I'm ALWAYS checking Facebook and Twitter... It's so bad! I spend enough time on the computer, I shouldn't also be checking all the social media on my phone! I recently deleted just about all the games on my phone because I felt like I was being consumed... I should do the same with my social media apps!
Oh gosh you are so right. I'm constantly on my phone, either looking at pinterest, fb, or instagram. I don't really do twitter much but those others are killer. Way to prioritize! I know Jesus was smiling as you deleted that app to make Him a priority :) You're awesome Meg
I have all those apps on my phone, but I don't even use them! You will have more battery life, better conversations with real people, and definitely more time to read the Bible. Good for you!
I think you've probably gotten a lot of us thinking with this post. I have Bible apps on my phone and even have one set to remind me to read the day's post through it. But I have to admit, I often times ignore it. It's set to go off just about the time my work day is getting under way...which was probably a poor decision on my part. Changing the alarm would probably be smart. ha! But you've encouraged and inspired me to do better with using my phone as a means to read The Word in spurts thoughout the day instead of just checking social media apps. Thank you!!
I hope you're having a great week!
Wow...you always seem to know just what needs to be called out in my own life..even though write these posts about yourself.
If I deleted my apps, I'd really have no need for a smart phone. Hmm...def something to think about. Great post, girl!
I just did it. Deleted facebook, twitter, and pinterest. and got the Bible app. I've actually been convicted lately of the exact same thing.. and of reaching for my iphone when I'm with Cam. I've never been like that so it was time to end the new social media crazy amanda! DONE AND DONE and it feels great! now off to do my bible study (:
ps. im SO glad you shared this!
Isn't so nice to be free of social networking on your phone. I don't even have a smart phone and that's one of the reasons why. Good job girl. let's prioritize our lives.
Dang girl, totally needed this! I'm the same way at night and in the am! Why not start with a piece of scripture!? Thanks so much for this post!
You inspired my blog post today, which includes a shout out to you! Hope your dad is doing well. Your family is in my prayers.
Wow, you are so right! I give you props for taking initive to give social media a break and do what really matters and that's building your relationship with God. Your post made me realize I need to do the same. I'm off to pick up my bible and put down my phone. Thanks! :)
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