Counsels on Self-Identity

Counsel #26 — Media Trap

Picture: Counsel #26 — Media Trap CI 155.1

What does your social media feed say about the man you are? Social media can be used for good, but for many men, it becomes a trap—a place where time slips away unnoticed, and where temptation is only a tap and a swipe away. CI 155.2

Instead of building meaningful relationships, many find themselves emotionally numb after hours of gaming or stuck in cycles of lust after viewing images designed to provoke desire. The enemy’s strategy isn’t always dramatic. Often, it’s subtle attempts to steal your time, kill your self-discipline, and destroy your purity. Biblical masculinity calls for mastering the devil’s attempt to control you through social media. The Bible warns us not to conform to the pattern of this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of the mind. That means you don’t have to accept the digital habits of the culture around you. You can set limits, and you can choose what you follow. Lastly, you can use media to reflect Christ instead of feeding your worldly desires. Ask yourself: Is this helping me love God more? If the answer is no, then it’s time to ask the Holy Spirit to re-train your focus and empower your right choices.^[171] CI 155.3

“I will not look with approval on anything that is vile.” Psalms 101:3 NIV CI 155.4

“No time should be wasted that might have been used to good account.” Ellen White in Reflecting Christ , p. 286 CI 155.5

Reflect: What changes do you need to make in your media habits? CI 155.6