What better time to detox from social media than when we're also
preparing our hearts for Easter? What better time to remind ourselves of the
true things of life than the time that we remember where our life comes from?
When I tell people that
I fasted from social media for Lent, they gawk just a bit. After all, Lent is
over 40 days long. Most people can't last 40 hours without social media, let
alone 40 days. They think that I might be completely severed from
society by the time I get back.
Giving up social media
for Lent is not only doable, it is a great experience! In fact, I liked it so
much, I've done it twice. In those two years, I've learned a few things that can
help you too give up social media for Lent.
1. Find an Accountability Partner
An accountability
partner makes giving up social media not only easier but more fun. You can
exchange struggles, joys, and accomplishments. You can keep each other strong
even when Instagram beckons like a purple square of immediate satisfaction.
2. Give Up Responsibly
Don’t make your fast an excuse
to not check important notifications or people. Some groups communicate
exclusively though social media. Other people find social media a key
instrument for keeping up with family and friends, especially international
friends who can't text. Don't sever relationships or commitments, but also
don't make excuses because you want to goof off on Instagram during your
"fast." Know what is wise for you and stick with it.
3. Replace Your Habit
This is the BIGGEST tip
I can give you. The first year I fasted from social media, I didn't replace the
extra time I created with anything else. Therefore, at the end of the fast, I
didn't accomplish much aside from abstaining from social media.
The second year that I
fasted from social media, I replaced looking at social media with memorizing
scripture. I got this app called Scripture Typer. Whenever I wanted to click
that Pinterest icon, I would go to the Scripture Typer icon. At the end of
Lent, I not only got a break from the instantaneous culture of social media, I
created a new rhythm that continues to benefit my spiritual walk.
You don't have to
memorize scripture. What about reading the Bible, praying, reading other books,
texting people encouragement or simply being aware of your surroundings and welcoming
the stillness? Find something that excites you to give up social media.
4. Glorify Jesus, Not Yourself
If you fast from social
media, you shouldn't shout it out on all of your social media platforms
beforehand. Then you will be like the Pharisees in Matthew 6:16-18 who fasted
from food and made sure that they looked sad about it in front of others. You
shouldn't complain or brag in front of your friends about your fast. It's okay
to talk about it, for maybe you'll inspire them as well, but try not let it become
a point of pride. This is about Jesus, not you. (Much easier said than done,
for we love to pretend things are about us.)
5. Persevere
This is a fancy,
Biblical way of saying, "just do it." Don't give up, even when it's
hard, because it will be hard. I found it hardest when I felt tired. My mind
didn't want to think, so I automatically went to social media to sit around
and, well, not think. (That scares me just a bit.)
Go back to those habits
that you are trying to pursue over social media. Talk to your accountability
partner. Pray. Be wise if you need to adjust your fast, but don't give up
simply because it is hard. Know that the Spirit who was with Jesus during
his 40 day fast is also in you.
Giving up social media
for Lent is a practice that I treasure and encourage all to try sometime. I
won't be doing it this year because I am taking a class in social media and
must use my personal and blog accounts to get a grade, but I will not use it
just for fun.
If you want to check out
some other great thoughts and resources about Lent, go to AnnVoscamp’s post and devotional concerning Lent!
I would love to know if
you are giving up social media for Lent or thinking about doing it. Leave me a
comment! If you're a bit late, no worries. Just start now, and have a great
Lent!
Princess Hannah
I love the idea of giving up social media for lent. It's a challenge that is do-able but still really challenging! Great post! and GREAT TIPS! <3 Also congrats on the Disney college program!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much <3 I hope you have a good experience fasting from social media if you try it.
DeleteAnd I'm SOOO EXCITED about Disney. Don't worry, there is a post coming soon.
This is such a great thing to do! And your tips make it super attainable. I've never done Lent, and I don't know that I will this year, just because I don't really have a plan, but I might have to do it next year:)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that you liked the post, Grace! And even if you do something informal, like just not going on one social media or giving it up for the week before Easter, it might be a good experience.
DeleteThis is a fabulous idea! Social media has such a strong pull on our society.. Thanks for the tips - I can see they would be really beneficial. Number three is especially powerful. So, thank you! xx
ReplyDeleteSocial media takes up so much more than we think. It impacts almost everything now. Yes, three is my best piece of advice I can give!
DeleteOh, this post is just in time! Thanks for the tips!
ReplyDeletePerfect!!!!
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