Problems and Such on Social Media

Back in my younger days when I taught high school vocational agriculture (now it is agriscience), we had district ag-teacher meetings about four times a year. I usually left more deflated than encouraged. Talking with my high school ag-teacher and mentor, Mr. Jim Turner, I told him how I felt about the meetings. He laughed and said, “Harry, some of those guys who are bragging about all the things they are doing, are probably not doing half of what you are doing. Just keep your head to the grindstone and don’t let it bother you.” It was great advice, comparison between good or bad is not healthy in either direction.

Today we have social media. Most postings on social media usually fall under one of two categories: how great someone’s life is or the severity of their problems. I am not saying either should not be posted, that is a personal preference and perhaps another discussion for another day.

When you juxtaposition them against each other, those who are neck-deep with problems may think those who are having happy moments are problem free. That is usually not the case. Likewise, those who post about their difficulties also have some positive things going on in their lives.

Some people are private and if they have an issue, they do not care to plaster it over the media sphere for all to see. Same with the good stuff.

When I see postings about problems, I use it as a prayer point. I may comment that I am praying for them (or better still, “I prayed for you.”) and if I comment, I try to immediately pray lest my mind strays to something else.

To those posts where everything is roses and buttercups, I have been around the sun a few rotations to know that they probably have some briars and ragweed on their plates too. They are just not prone to publish negative stuff. To those who say they are prideful—they may just be private when it comes to difficulties.

We usually read too much into stuff. Remember in high school, the beautiful girl who was quiet was often perceived as ‘stuck-up’ to the immature boys. The commonly cute girl yet quiet was considered only shy. On the male side, I was extremely plain and shy—now I am old and ugly and will not shut up!

Can this old man give you some pointers?

• Whatever you see on social media or hear in conversation, know that there is another side to what you read and hear.
• Give people a break—you will need one soon.
• You are not as bad as your enemies claim you to be, nor are you as great as your fans say you are. You are somewhere else on the spectrum.
• You need to be content. Don’t get bitter. Don’t get prideful.
• Just keep working on the things where you excel without becoming prideful.
• When something good happens in your life, try to be thankful instead of prideful.
• Keep working on the things where you need improvement without comparing yourself to others. Better yourself, not be better than others.
• With some things, you may never reach the level of others, but your level is good enough for your life. Be content.
• The ‘bigger and better’ comes with another set of bigger challenges. If a mansion was given to me, I would not want to pay the extravagant cost of insurance, upkeep, and utilities.
• Keep in mind, all things of this earth will either turn to dust or vapor.
• People will not remember your social media posts, but they will remember your conversations, integrity, honesty, faithfulness, mercy, kindness, joy, and your walk with Jesus.
• The days of our journey on earth are few, but eternity is forever. When your faith and life is in Jesus here, you get to live with Him there.

Listen to these words by the Apostle Paul to the Corinthian Church where there were some problems:

2 Corinthians 10:10-12 NKJV


(10)  "For his letters," they say, "are weighty and powerful, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible."

(11)  Let such a person consider this, that what we are in word by letters when we are absent, such we will also be in deed when we are present.

(12)  For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

Blessings to you in this New Year. Pray, study the Word of God, assemble with believers of Jesus, and obey Holy Spirit. Love God and love your neighbors. If you do these things, you will be doing more than most!!!

Yours on the Journey,

Harry L. Whitt