The first time I took a whole week off the social media, it looked unusual. There were calls and concerns as people could not ‘see’ me online as they used to. I discovered that it is possible and profitable to intentionally go offline so as to be more privately. Now, I schedule time-offs on a frequent basis and it has helped greatly.
Friend, if all that you are doing with your life is what we see on social media, then you are either not doing much or living in confusion. Your private life and success must be bigger than your public testimony. You must have killed some Lion and Bear in the secret that nobody knows about before you kill your Goliath in the public (1 Samuel 17:34-37).
Never confuse public approval for private success or divine approval. Human beings can only criticise you, they cannot judge you; they can only applaud you, they cannot reward you. Never let criticism to enter your heart and don’t allow the praises of men to enter your head. Live your life knowing that you are in the audience of One, God.
Don’t be distracted, discouraged or disillusioned with what you see online. Always remember that people only post online what they want you to see; it’s all PR management! A lot of people fail more than the success they post online. In fact, you would be shocked to know how “better” you are doing than a lot of people.
The rule of the game is this; stay focused on your lane and wish others well. This was why Paul admonished that you “…study to be quiet, and to do your own BUSINESS, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you” (1 Thessalonians 4:11). You would not be judged or rewarded by the assignment you’re not given but for completing your particular task.
Be sure you are making progress no matter what you see other people do. In fact, live your life with no need for comparison or sense of competition. “For…they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise” (2 Corinthians 10:12). Go into this season with this understanding, make progress and enjoy the peace of God. Amen!
© ‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria