It has been estimated the average human spends just over three hours each day on social media, including blogs, facebook, twitter and so on. I plan on giving up this time during the period of lent. In case you are unaware, lent is the time between Ash Wednesday and Easter, the 40 days set aside in the church to prepare for this momentos holiday.
I have been asked by a few people "why?" At first it just seemed like something I should do. I mean I grew up in a Catholic Church where you always give up something for lent, usually chocolate. I almost forgot about it in the hustle and bustle of school and work. It was almost forgetting about Lent that made me choose to give up social media, instead of my standard chocolate. As I thought about the true reason behind Lent it is to spend time preparing for the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. It is about walking away from the sinful desires and wants that plague our daily lives. Do I eat too much chocolate? Probably, but is that really keeping me from spending time with God? Not really. Do I spend too much time on social media? Without a doubt! Is that keeping me from spending time with my saviour? Of course. There are only 24 hours in a day, and every moment I spend on social media is a minute I could be spending serving Him. Does this mean I will spend those 3 hours in devotion, or in prayer? Not necessarily. What I will do is spend that time on things that matter. I will focus on the work in front of me. I will spend some time in worship every day. I will be able to meditate. I can make some decisions I have been "too busy" to think about. I will clean my room. I will fully connect with those around me. Most of all I will not be caught up in the drama. I will not be influenced by others on the internet. I will not be worried how people perceive the post I just wrote, because I won't be posting anything. I will not be focused on how many likes a photo has. I will live life as it is meant to be, not under the criticism of others.
Do I expect this to be easy? Not a chance. But then again was sending your one and only son to die for all of mankind easy? Was obeying your father even though you knew you would suffer easy? If God could send his son to die for us and Jesus was willing to accept our suffering I am sure I can make it without social media for a few weeks. I'll let you know how it goes after Easter :)
Until Easter,
Britt
DISCLAIMER: Before I have people getting mad at me, or feel I am judging them because they're lenten abstinence is insufficient I just want to say I am not judging anyone. I do not think I am better because I choose to pursue a social media ban as compared to the person giving up chocolate. For some people that can lead to healthier eating, more energy and an overall better lifestyle. They may suffer more giving up something they enjoy eating than I will with social media. It also isn't entirely about struggling, it is about observing the period leading up to Easter. There is nothing to say one is better than the other. I am making this choice for me, everyone else will make the choice they feel best about.
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