Like many women, I feel tension about social media. I readily see its pitfalls, but given its pervasive influence in our culture, I also see the value of Christians remaining engaged. Social Sanity in an Insta World, edited by Sarah Eekhoff Zylstra, is one of the best resources I’ve found on the subject. Page after page, I found wise, gospel-centered perspectives from women who are faithfully navigating social media. Here are 20 of my favorite quotes.
There’s a disconnect between how we write our posts and how we read other people’s posts. — Sarah Zylstra (12)
There’s a way to use social media that reflects God. And there’s a way to use it that rivals him. Wisdom seeks the first way. — Jen Wilkin (43)
Where we cast our gaze, and for how long, influences not just how we live but who we are. — Jen Wilkin (44)
At its best, social media can help us form connections and stay connected to others. But at its worst, it can whisper the lie that we can be like God, not bound to one place at one time. — Jen Wilkin (47)
The question is not, “Is social media affecting my emotions?” but rather, “Am I aware of the influence social media is having?” — Gretchen Saffles (54)
Our relationship with social media, whether toxic or healthy, is dependent on the state of our hearts, the priorities of our souls, and what we love and value. — Gretchen Saffles (57)
When we’re nourished by the enduring truths of Scripture, the fruit of the Spirit overflows into how we use and consume social media. — Gretchen Saffles (62)
Some women may choose not to use social media at all. Some women may take breaks. Some women may put limits on their phones to monitor their usage. . . . We need a combination of knowledge, wisdom, and experience to grow in our ability to choose what’s best for our own lives, while not expecting everyone else to come to the same conclusions. — Melissa Kruger (67)
Before we mindlessly pull out our phones and begin to scroll, it’s important to ask: What’s the best use of my time in this moment? — Melissa Kruger (71)
Our greatest problem isn’t spending too much time on social media. Our greatest problem is that we’re not spending enough time in our Bibles. — Melissa Kruger (75)
Being influenced by others isn’t necessarily a bad thing. . . . The question to ask is, What—or who—is your primary influence? — Laura Wifler (88)
It’s worth investing time in curating a feed that will influence you toward biblical faithfulness. That doesn’t mean every person you follow has to be a Christian or only talk about Jesus all day long, but ask yourself, Is this person influencing me toward what is true, good, and beautiful? Do they help me to savor and be satisfied in Christ? — Laura Wifler (90)
If we’re going to use social media well, we have to be aware of what it’s good for—and what it’s not. . . . We must press deeply into relationships rather than assuming we know someone because we see what they post. — Stephanie Greer (100)
If social media is costing you Christian fellowship—either from online interactions or from neglecting in-person opportunities—then you may need to leave. There are other ways to pursue relationships. — Stephanie Greer (101)
The people behind our screens are working hard and investing a lot of money to accomplish their personal and corporate goals through our social media use. If we simply “go with the flow,” we’ll end up going with their flow. — Ana Ávila (115)
We’re often blind to what’s good because we’re too busy with what’s easy. It seems we’ve forgotten that real life is much more beautiful than living through our screens. — Ana Ávila (116)
It’s OK to leave social media. . . . Today (or tomorrow or next week) you could log out of your accounts, delete the apps off your phone, disable your profiles, and just be done. For as long as you wanted to or needed to. How does that thought make you feel? Terrified? Anxious? Excited? Relieved? And if you feel like you can’t take a break from social media, even for the weekend, why is that? — Emily Jensen (125)
If you’re a Christian, you already have the most important relationship and are part of the most amazing story. . . . I assure you—if you delete Instagram, you’re not going to miss out. — Emily Jensen (127)
The most wearying times I’ve experienced on social media are when I forget to reflect God’s handiwork and creativity and instead compare myself to another image-bearer—her creativity, her style, her voice, her ability to attract an audience. . . . But when I’m aware of how God has gifted me uniquely, I discover freedom in creativity. — Ruth Chou Simons (137)
If none of your real-life friends understand the context of what you’re posting online and none of your online friends know you in real life, you’re too isolated. — Ruth Chou Simons (141)
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