It’s amazing how needy we can be. A quick glance at
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Vine will reveal people clamoring for
attention, to be noticed, to be “liked.”
Citing the dopamine and oxytocin produced by pictures, posts and “likes” a Psychology Today article noted, “Facebook fools our brain into believing that loved ones surround us…”
I saw a recent interview about the impact this is having on young women. The more revealing the outfit, the more attention their photo draws. Not a pretty recipe for an insecure young teen.
I wonder sometimes if we in the church aren't much different than that teenage girl.
We all have a need for significance. We want to be a part of something, a community of change, a place where hearts are healed and lives are restored. That’s a good thing. It’s something I believe God wants for us as well.
But I worry that sometimes in our quest to make a difference, our focus changes. We become less concerned about the needs of those we’re serving than we are about protecting what we've built.
It might be our organization, or our job or our reputation. The focus becomes growth, achievement and status instead of service, sacrifice and love.
Somewhere, I make it about me.
Your significance was proclaimed two thousand years ago on a cross. That’s how much you’re worth. Your value was displayed before you ever accomplished anything. Quit striving you’re already known… and you are loved.
Citing the dopamine and oxytocin produced by pictures, posts and “likes” a Psychology Today article noted, “Facebook fools our brain into believing that loved ones surround us…”
I saw a recent interview about the impact this is having on young women. The more revealing the outfit, the more attention their photo draws. Not a pretty recipe for an insecure young teen.
I wonder sometimes if we in the church aren't much different than that teenage girl.
We all have a need for significance. We want to be a part of something, a community of change, a place where hearts are healed and lives are restored. That’s a good thing. It’s something I believe God wants for us as well.
But I worry that sometimes in our quest to make a difference, our focus changes. We become less concerned about the needs of those we’re serving than we are about protecting what we've built.
It might be our organization, or our job or our reputation. The focus becomes growth, achievement and status instead of service, sacrifice and love.
Somewhere, I make it about me.
Your significance was proclaimed two thousand years ago on a cross. That’s how much you’re worth. Your value was displayed before you ever accomplished anything. Quit striving you’re already known… and you are loved.
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