Counsels on Lifestyle

Counsel #10 — Rooted In Christ

Picture: Counsel #10 — Rooted In Christ CLi 20.1

Social media has become an integral part of our lives, shaping young peoples’ identities in profound ways. On average, individuals spend approximately 7 to 7.5 hours daily on these platforms, encountering distorted views of relationships, wealth, and physical appearance. As we access social media, we’re swamped with images of people seemingly living the "good life." Lavish cars, extravagant homes, and endless vacations set a misleading standard against which many of us measure our own lives. CLi 20.2

The content we consume on social media significantly alters our self-perception, often leading us to suppress our true identities in favor of an idealized self. This especially affects us, as we may unknowingly envy the curated lives of others, failing to recognize that public facades often hide private struggles. Instead of basing your worth on this distorted reality, ground your identity in God's word, remembering that you are perfectly made in His image.^[17] CLi 20.3

“And to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:24 NIV CLi 20.4

“No one can submerge his identity in that of any other…As regards our responsibility and influence, we are amenable to God as deriving our life from Him.” Ellen White in Reflecting Christ, p.138 CLi 20.5

Reflect: When you think of yourself, do you truly believe that you are fearfully and wonderfully made by God? CLi 20.6