There are so many things that bombard us on social media nowadays. There are people who post just for fun (crafts, creative and/or funny sayings, etc.). There are those who post for professional reasons (about their business, etc.). There are those who post for political reasons on both sides of any debate that is happening now. There are those who post about religious sayings and verses and there are those who post about hateful things that talk bad about other people and who or what they stand for. You can say that it sure does run the gamut on what we see on social media.
The questions that I have are this…. which influencer are you looking at? Also, what type of influencer is influencing you? Do you lean towards the fun and uplifting influencers or do you lean towards the side that is more condemning and engages in hurtful rhetoric influencers?
It’s important to acknowledge where you stand on what influences you in today’s climate. If your first comment is to say something like, “Oh, I am so sorry for ………” then I would say that you are on the side of trying to lift up someone and race, creed or religion doesn’t play into it at all. However, if your first comment tends to be something like, “They deserved what they got!” or “He/She is/was such a hateful person! I can’t wait until something happens to them!”, then I will definitely say that you are on the condemning and hurtful rhetoric side.
You may notice that one side is more uplifting than the other. One side of influencing is about caring what happens to each other and shows concern for how that person may be feeling. It doesn’t mean that you agree with them completely, instead it may mean that they need some encouraging words. The other side is much darker and cares only for itself and rejoices when bad things happen to others. This is the side that needs lots and lots of prayers because of what they are allowing to influence where their thoughts go.
Where you stand on either side says more about who you are in your heart. If you feel compassion and love for others then your heart is leading you in a good direction. Those of us who lean into this direction tend to be VERY selective of who we allow to influence us. We tend to be more mindful of what others are feeling and will try to steer others away from the path that they seem to be headed. Although, that’s certainly not easy at all.
On the flip-side, if there is a tendency to rejoice when something bad happens to others, especially with those that you don’t agree with, then you are allowing dark forces to direct your path. Hate has no place in this world but unfortunately it is there and as believers of God we are called to attempt to correct those who do let it influence them. Again, that is not easy at all, either.
These are the questions and thoughts that I want you to consider when you are determining if you are following a positive or negative influencer:
- How does that person make you feel as you are listening to them? Do they make you feel happy and reflective or do they make you feel angry and unsettled? The answers that you come up with are important. If the answer is that they make you happy and reflective, then I would say that you are on a path that is leading you toward caring for others, especially those that are different than you. You don’t have to agree with them on everything but you can at least care for their overall well-being. On the other hand, if you are feeling angry and unsettled, then I would say that you are on a path that is darker. In this path, you may react without considering the potential consequences of whom you may hurt, including yourself. Remember that you have the power to decide who you listen to and who you allow to influence your decisions. Think carefully about those choices.
- Make a list of both pros and cons of those feelings that you are having. Having a list of pros and cons and can help you to consider the choices that you are making. It is very important to think carefully and to be as objective as possible. Try to take into account your own personal feelings and why you may be leaning more in one direction than another. Ask yourself some of the following questions: a) What is motivating me to follow this person?; b) Is that influencer leaving me with conflicting emotions that cause me to have a lot of anger after listening to them or is that influencer making me think about things in a more positive manner, instead?; c) What can I do differently that is better for my own mental health and happiness? Making a list of the pros and cons and looking at it objectively can help you to see things in a different way that perhaps you didn’t see before. This is an opportunity for positive growth for you.
- Be willing to step away from listening to that influencer for seven to fourteen days. Consider the following questions as you do so: a) Is my mood/attitude better at work and with my family and friends?; b) Do I feel willing to listen and engage with others in a positive manner?; c) Do I have more patience to dealing with problems that come up at home, at work, with my spouse/partner, with my children and family members and friends?; d) Am I taking the time to really listen to others and not take it personally, instead? All of these questions can help you to better determine your own state of mind. The answers that you come up with can also go a long way by helping you decide who you want to surround yourself with in the long run.
In today’s world, we are constantly bombarded by others who want to influence how we think. We have to protect ourselves and be on guard constantly from those who seek to sway us through lies and manipulation. Be watchful and wary of what some may say… it just might not be the truth, but only shades of the truth with the hope that you don’t catch on.
What did I learn from this? I am a Christian, so I am constantly praying for God to help me to see things that others try to hide by asking for and using His wisdom and discernment. Perhaps that’s why some don’t like me. I see through the lies to the truth that’s underneath and hidden. I’m okay with that. I’ve got exactly who I need on my side, God and ALL of His Angels looking out for me.
So, what can you gain from this? I think that there is something freeing within when you don’t let the world dictate how you think. I also know that you will be a much happier person in the long run when you take back your control. I think that is a win-win, don’t you? You should try it. I don’t think that you will be disappointed at all with the outcome.
A Joyful Mission 