| 1 Timothy 1:5 – “The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” |
Social media is a fun way to stay in contact with friends and family, to follow celebrities, and share cat videos or pictures of food. But what has crept in with it is the desire to only show the good pictures, in just the right lighting, and with filters to soften the wrinkles or sagging chins. We see photos of gorgeous homes or vacations and perfectly behaving children. Everyone is smiling and having a great time. But pictures are cropped to hide the dishes in the sink or the pile of laundry to be folded. Multiple shots at various angles are taken with only the perfect ones shared online. This need to appear perfect has caused an increase in cyberbullying, social anxiety, and the fear of not measuring up.
When someone looks at me, I want them to see God’s love shining through me. I don’t want any artificial filters or areas of my life cropped out or hidden. I believe that people respond to a pure heart that points them in the way of faith in God and his promises. My flaws are part of who I am and show that God is patient and kind and forgiving. The world needs plain speech and honest conversation, not the appearance of superiority in my faith or a haughty attitude.
Prayer: Dear Father, your love is perfect and pure. Create in me a pure heart, one that is open and sincere and not clouded by phony words or a pious attitude. Help your love flow through me and into the world around me. My desire is to love like you, every day. Amen.
– Betty Gossell
