Guess what. I could spend the next 10 hours writing about dating and digital media (this is my major!) but I just want to hit a few highlights that I've learned here while at Liberty. Dating can be super fun (and it is!) but you got to make sure your desire for digital media isn't idolized.
Here are 2 losses in your relationship when digital media is an idol:
1. The loss of true face to face dating.
Whether we admit it or not, social media/technology can be a distraction. When you are together, that time should be valuable and not taken for granite. Taking pictures to pride in with you are dating is not okay. You have to find the line between bragging and admiring.
My first date with Nolan, he left his phone in the car when we went into the restaurant. That impressed me so much. He showed me that he respected me enough to say "no" to connecting with the world during our date.
2. We lose the mystery (or intimacy). James 1:19
In every season of dating, one month to six months to three years there is still a pursuit and mystery going on. James 1:19 states that we should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to be angry. Think about slow to speak specifically. If we are so quick to post every detail about our relationship to the world, “he gave me this gift, bought me these clothes, we went on this date…” every piece of intimacy between you two is lost because its just like everyone else was there. Now, there is a balance that takes place of that, but you don’t have to post EVERYTHING. We get it, y’all are in love… etc. I’m learning this lesson myself! Being engaged makes me want to post and reveal every little cute thing he does. But sometimes keeping somethings just between you two is special and intimate! Keeps the surprise and mystery alive.
Here are 2 quick tips about social media:
1. Social media is a tool. It can be used for His glory or your destruction.
It can be a good thing. It can be a bad thing. You decide. I’ll never forget my youth pastor getting on to me for tweeting during youth camp my junior year of high school. It was a good tweet but it was not the right timing and respectable while being at camp when we weren’t even suppose to have our phones.
Also, in dating for guys and girls sin can creep in because pornography and lust is right at our finger tips. We MUST say no when temptation will come, because it will. If it’s that big of a temptation, delete the app. Learn self-control to respect not only your boyfriend or girlfriend, but more importantly to glorify Christ in integrity.
2. Have an eternal mindset when posting.
Hebrews 12:2 says “Fix your eyes on Jesus because He is the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.” When it comes to dating simplify yourself when posting. We worry about the caption, what it is going to say and how many likes it will get. If we are that worried about that, we don’t have an eternal mindset. Fix your eyes on Jesus and realize in the grand scheme of things social media is just a tool that the Lord has given us to equip us for ministry, connections, and fellowship. We are called not to misuse it.
Cait, Tay, and even Nolan and I have had several conversations about this topic and we felt like we couldn't not share it with you guys. If your in high school and looking forward to the dating life of college- be patient seek Christ and know Him. If your in college cling to His promises every day and know He will be good to those who love Him.
We love you guys and I can't believe that tomorrow is Caitie and Taylor's last day here with me!!!
See you tomorrow!
-Mik
#LastofLiberty