| I realize social media and the perceived reality created by it are relativity new, just a few decades old. Though social media has many assets, it has one horrible byproduct, because it creates an environment that has the potential to prey upon one’s insecurities which normally leads to bad actions that hurt others. Social media definitely wasn’t around in the 16th or 17th Century. However, it doesn’t mean there aren’t similarities where we can learn from our ancient brothers and sisters. Francis de Sales wrote this in his work, The Devout Life: If you are not under an obligation to mingle socially or entertain others in your home, remain within yourself. Entertain yourself. If visitors arrive or you are called out to someone for a good reason, go as one who is sent by God. Visit your neighbor with a loving heart and a good intention. There is great risk in visiting mean and vicious people. It is something like exposure to rabies. As for ordinary social gatherings, we need to be neither too careful to participate in them nor impolite in condemning them. We can modestly do our duty. A vine planted among olive trees produces oily grapes with tainted taste. In the same way, a soul that is often a companion with virtuous people will absorb their good qualities. In all of your mixing with others, be natural, sincere, and modest. Some people annoy others with their affectations. Some don’t speak: they sing instead. Some take steps and must count everyone out loud to you! This becomes irritating. Artificiality in social life is very disagreeable. Here are some takeaways that are helpful for our day: 1. One doesn’t have to participate, but when one does engage others, do it as one sent from God. Remember your witness. 2. Don’t engage mean and vicious people. There is power in the “delete” key. Just because someone sends a message, a text, or a video doesn’t mean anything other than they sent it. One doesn’t have to respond. 3. Engage people that you want to be like. We do acquire the traits of others. Therefore, acquire the traits you really want, especially those that make you a better person. 4. Learn to be yourself. Maturity has more to do with loving your own skin and being sincere, which means one doesn’t have to fake it.  This Week’s Readings: *Monday – Matthew 28 *Tuesday – 1 Thessalonians 1 *Wednesday- 1 Thessalonians 2 *Thursday – 1 Thessalonians 3 *Friday- 1 Thessalonians 4 Prayer Requests: *Children’s safety as they participate in summer activities. *An immediate end to the crisis in Ukraine. *Heal those who are sick and protect those who are not. *Comfort those who are grieving and in distress. *Wisdom for our leaders as they navigate through uncertain times. *Guidance for those seeking to find their way. *Continued Growth Inside and Outside the Walls of St. Paul UMC. |
| “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:6 |