Day 11 – Living Boldly: Social Media Is Not Real Life

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Let’s explore a topic that affects us all: the shaping influences in our lives—those things external to us that impact how we love God and others as we love ourselves. Specifically, how social media and other technologies shape the way we think, feel, and live.

Life Over Coffee Devotions

• 31-Day Marriage Devotion
• 31-Day Parenting Devotion
• 31-Day Young Adult Devotion

Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals” 
(1 Corinthians 15:33).

What Influences You?

The two most powerful forces shaping your life are what you allow into your mind and the people you surround yourself with. I’m speaking of the things you permit to feed and mold your brain. Take time to reflect. Who influences your desires, decisions, and destiny? My question is crucial because your answers reveal a lot about who you are and are becoming. Everyone is brainwashed in the sense that we allow things to wash over our minds, leaving residuals that mature into influences that provide interpretive filters through which we see and respond to life.

For example, you are a reflection of the media you consume and the company you keep. As a Christian, your ultimate goals are to love God and others as you love yourself. To do that well, you need influences that point you toward those goals. If the media you consume or the friends you associate with pull you away from the two greatest commandments, it’s time to make a change.

The Battle for Your Mind

Media includes everything from TV shows, movies, and social platforms to books, music, and websites. While these tools can be used for good, they also have the power to shape your mind in unwholesome ways. The enemy uses worldly influences to capture your thoughts and distract you from Christ (2 Corinthians 10:3-6).

But you can flip the script. Even if negativity and harmful influences have been a part of your story so far, God can redeem your mind and heart. Genesis 50:20 reminds us that God can take what was meant for harm and use it for good. Philippians 4:8 encourages us to focus on what is true, honorable, and pure.

A Personal Choice

After I became a Christian, I made a deliberate choice to let the Bible be my primary influence. I jokingly call it “Bible brainwashing,” but it’s true—I immersed myself in God’s Word and surrounded myself with Christian friends who were passionate about Jesus. While I couldn’t avoid the world’s influence entirely, I could choose what I allowed to shape my mind and heart primarily.

You’re not just floating aimlessly through life as though you are disconnected from others or their habits. Every day, you’re being influenced by someone or something, and you’re influencing others in return. You do have control over what those influences will be. The first step toward spiritual maturity is deciding what captivates your mind. Everybody will serve somebody, but we’re not hapless victims with no power or agency. We must choose wisely regarding those people, places, and things that will take up space in our minds.

Time to Reflect

1. To what degree do God’s Word and His community influence your life? Are you immersing yourself in Scripture and surrounding yourself with people who encourage you to grow in Christ?
2. How do you make the Bible practically relevant to your life? Be specific. For example, do you start your day by reading and reflecting on Scripture? Do you apply what you learn to your relationships, choices, and priorities?
3. Take time to evaluate your media and relationships. Ask yourself if they are helping you love God and others more deeply. If not, pray for courage to make changes.

Let’s live boldly, choosing influences that point us to Christ and help us grow in Him.

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Rick Thomas

Rick launched the Life Over Coffee global training network in 2008 to bring hope and help for you and others by creating resources that spark conversations for transformation. His primary responsibilities are resource creation and leadership development, which he does through speaking, writing, podcasting, and educating.

In 1990 he earned a BA in Theology and, in 1991, a BS in Education. In 1993, he received his ordination into Christian ministry, and in 2000 he graduated with an MA in Counseling from The Master’s University. In 2006 he was recognized as a Fellow of the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC).