It's easy to blame social media on the selfishness of later generations, but that's too simple an explanation. I think social media just exploits and draws out what is already there: narcissistic hearts that demand their own way. From the day we first fell, humanity has been a selfish and self-centered race, seeking domination and control over one another. We've followed our hearts, and destroyed those in our way. We act as if we're the center of the universe, and yet we're controlled by fear, anxiety, and worry. When I think about life, I think "It's a good thing this existence is not about us." If we were all there is, it's a pretty pitiful existence.
Here's the problem: we're free to do whatever we want. Literally. There's nothing stopping us from doing whatever we wanted. Well, I suppose there's the matter of my neighbor who would take exception to my stealing or damaging his property. Oh, and the consequences of multiple partners, ending in unwanted pregnancies or STDS, or the consequences of dirty business dealings and having to always look over my shoulder for fear of getting caught and the revenge of those I cheat. Or the ultimate chains of victimization: blaming everyone else for my situation instead of actively seeking to better it.
This is how we use our freedom. Constantly attacking and defending. Constantly victimizing or playing the victim. Constantly creating countless blackholes that draw all light and happiness from life because I am pursuing what I want. We are tyrants who are constantly building strong prisons around ourselves and blaming everyone else for our misery.
But true freedom comes in submission. You heard (or read) that right. When I submit to the designer of life, I find freedom in it. I love freely, I give freely, I live without fear, because even in dying, I find peace and joy and freedom. I am not chained to my deceptions on my own behalf, but I am given completely over to the author of life. Whether in a storm or in calm, I can find freedom in knowing to whom I go. We all have this choice, and you have to ask yourself (honestly), is yours working for you? As for me, I choose peace and freedom in submission to Christ, and no one can shake me from it. Galatians 5:7-26 You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion is not from him who calls you. A little leaven leavens the whole lump. I have confidence in the Lord that you will take no other view, and the one who is troubling you will bear the penalty, whoever he is. But if I, brothers, still preach circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been removed. I wish those who unsettle you would emasculate themselves!
For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
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