Social media is a powerful communication tool. These apps and websites allow us to connect with others like never before. Whether you're into cute cat videos or you're looking for a better job, there's a social media app for that. You can explore new ideas, express your opinions, and reconnect with old friends. Unfortunately, social media is a double-edged sword. With so much of our lives on display, it's easy to get caught in the web of comparison.

If you get discouraged after spending time on social media, here's your wake-up call. It's time to break free. Social media can be great, but there are a lot of pitfalls we can fall into if we use it to find affirmation or meaning. Thankfully, the Word of God shows us a better way.

Social Media Ain't Doing You Any Favors

When you open your Facebook or Insta, what do you see? Flawless selfies. Picture perfect moments in places you've always longed to go. Promotions at work. Happy families enjoying life without a care in the world. It's so easy to compare our lives to what we see. When you fall into that trap, you're always bound to come up short, leaving your self-image and self-esteem in ruins.

With so many people putting every aspect of their lives online, it's easy to compare yourself to others. We see our friends or acquaintances getting ahead, having fun, doing all the things we've wanted, and our lives seem pretty sad and sorry in comparison.

Stop! Danger! Don't go there. The Old Testament warned us about this trap a long time ago in Exodus 20:17 — "You must not covet." It's actually one of the top ten commandments.

God knows us really, really well. He knows that comparison and wanting what others have, damages our psyche, leaving us feeling vulnerable, insecure, and depressed. He tells us not to covet because he wants us to be satisfied with our lives. To find joy in the many small things we take for granted each and every day.

Don't Believe Everything You See

When it comes to social media, appearances can be deceiving.

A story went viral recently about a young mom and her daughter at the pool. Another mama observed the woman setting up a photoshoot with her little one. After taking that perfect, Insta-worthy picture, the mom proceeded to talk on the phone for ten minutes, ignoring her daughter's entreaties that she come play in the pool. After ending her call, she packed up her daughter and left. Undoubtedly, the social media #MomLife #Blessed posting would hit her friends' feeds, showcasing a perfect day at the pool with her little one. But that couldn't be farther from the truth.

We think people posting these amazing life stories are being authentic and honest. But there is often an underlying story behind those "picture-perfect" moments that you'll never know. Social media only showcases what we want the world to see. Often, the truth is that those perfect moments you witness are just an outside image meant to hide insecurity.

How to Avoid the Comparison Trap

It's time to stop comparing ourselves to what we see on social media. Let the Word of God shine its warm and compassionate light on your life. If you let it, God's word can be more meaningful than a hundred comments, more encouraging than a thousand likes.

Instead of getting trapped by comparison on social media, let God define you according to His word. Learn what God says about you:

• You are loved.
• You are His.
• You were known before you were born.
• You are delighted in.
• You have a purpose.
• He is working all things for your good.

You're not the only one caught in social media's vicious cycle of comparison. Once you break free, you'll be there to help others learn the truth about who they really are.

Learn What God Says About You

If you want to learn more about what God says about you, you've come to the right place. Our doors are always open to seekers and questioners. Visit CornerstoneSF at any of our locations to get the encouragement you need to break free from comparison.