Can I just tell you some things I found funny with this photo?
First, I find it comical that there’s a humidifier laying in the background, that I still haven’t cleaned since my kids were sick BEFORE Christmas. #Momlife, *Sigh*
Second, there are kids clothes strewn around the floor, which is actually NOT as surprising because I give my three kiddos baths in my bathtub (since it’s larger, therefore easier to wash my kids in than the guest bath). The comical part for me is observing only a few straggling items of clothes, rather than the usual mound piled up next to the tub. Again, #Momlife.
Finally, I am not very into selfies. I usually grab my kiddo or husband or a friend and pull them into the shot with me. I don’t mind the picture of myself per say. But I do mind the impression some people have with me taking a selfie. I can often silently hear others thoughts through the social media pages of selfie shots, people saying in their heads whenever they see a selfie picture:
“Wow, she’s conceited.”
“Oh, that’s not a flattering picture of her at all.”
“Ugh, she just wants attention.”
“Self-absorbed.”
“Show-off.”
“Pride-pusher.”
Need I go on?
Come on, I’m not the only one who has heard this right? Because often these silent spoken words pop up in my own head as well when I see selfie pictures of others. Just being real.
I try not to pass negative silent judgment to others when I see their selfies, but sometimes these thoughts want to creep into my head anyways as I scroll down my Facebook or Instagram feeds. It’s like a subconscious act I can’t prevent. I actually almost enjoy it. Belittling others. Scorning them for their beautiful looks. Passing judgments that are less than positive. At least this is the way I thought for years, until now.
Over the past year or so, I’ve been able to silence (completely or to a faint whisper) those negative voices in my head about others through this beautiful passage of scripture:
“We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into maturity.” 2 Corinthians 10:5-6 (The Message Bible).
I am taking my thoughts captive to Christ. Perhaps you need to as well?
We should be less concerned by others actions and more concerned with our own. We should be more concerned with our own thoughts about others and less concerned with what they think about us. We should be most concerned with doing the thing God calls us to do and submit our ill-warranted thoughts to Jesus in order to build a life of obedience to Him and maturity of our faith.
We have the power to revolutionize our thinking. Perhaps even set a new standard for the world. Bestowing love to others instead of bitterness. Praising them for who they are and their successes instead of letting jealous thoughts arise. Encouraging others in their goals for health, passions, and pursuits instead of harboring ill-perceived thoughts towards others (like we know each and everyone’s hearts). Yet in order to do this, we need to allow Jesus to rule in our hearts and minds.
So what do you think? Do you like my outfit or would you say I’m being self-absorbed, cocky, or trying to simply gain selfish attention for myself?
Allow God to shape your thoughts, actions and life. Put on the love of Jesus. Not only for yourself but for the good of others. Love wins every time.
I beginning to embrace the selfie in a different way.
