I have always been a technology lover for a long, long time...back when AIM was around you could find me chatting all the time with friends in my spare time. I have always cherished hearing what other people have to say, especially those I look up to with amazing spiritual lives. I love to listen to confident people share what God has done in their lives and then try my hardest to take on all that they exude. I almost put them on a pedestal at times, thinking, “I could never be that bold or put-together like ________"(insert amazing godly woman model). I can’t believe I’m saying this after years of loving all things internet, but, I think we are taking in way too much of what others are saying through social media/media outlets and not enough of what He says. Now let me just clarify...God talked through a donkey to someone, so He can use anyone to make Himself known and present in someone’s life. Let me also say that there have been seasons in my life here lately when I haven’t had the proper energy or carved out time to spend hearing from God through His Word alone. So I would/have listened to sermons, podcasts, Facebook and Instagram lives, topical YouTube videos or anything that could feed me His words in place of the Bible. But can I just tell you that while they have ministered to me, sometimes greatly, there is just nothing like His precious and Holy Word. He uses the Word to give voice to what we need in just the right times and gives us the discernment to interpret His words.
Y’all, these are scary times...there are a lot of people using the internet to share His love and truth, but yet, are barely speaking His name. They might have some great catch-phrases that sound wonderful on a coffee mug or bumper sticker, but the Word of the Lord is flawless, like silver purified in a crucible, like gold refined seven times. (Psalm 12:6) The Word of God is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12) Wow!
There might be a sermon or word from someone that is SO good, but there is nothing like receiving that word from the Lord Himself through His Word. And think about it...if they are truly in love with the Lord, they will want to encourage you to receive His Word first, not engulf you with their words and wisdom all day, every day. We need to be wise and discerning as we listen to what others say about the Word and we can do that by spending time with Him first.
I’m guilty...100% guilty of running quickly to the internet and All the great resources it has to offer. And I’m grateful...I’ve gottten some great godly wisdom on anxiety, marriage, parenting, etc. But there is absolutely nothing better than feeling that extra layer of protection that only the Word can give you as you start your day and enter into our world of constant advice and chatter.
I read 1 Timothy 6 this morning and couldn’t believe how relevant it is to some of the things we are seeing these days on social media and on TV. Speaking of the people who did not have a sound instruction of Jesus Christ, it was also brought to light that they could believe that godliness is a means to financial gain. But I love what was said in 1Timothy 6:6-7: ‘But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.’
This life begins and ends with The Lord....we can’t take our advice columns, our best friends, our favorite podcasters, our favorite inspirational quotes....it’s just going to be us and Him. So why don’t we just turn to Him every day and let His Word give us life and energize us for what is to come? Listen to those people that inspire you as much as you need to, but make sure that He is the One you listen to more. He’s worth every second you give Him and will guide you through His Word, the greatest resource, to everything that you need. That’s a promise you can rely on.
