Why to Humble?

Today with the high convenience of technology, I can see that people are competing with each other. Mostly aim of having high-end gadgets with an intent of easy access on social media and communication. When you browse your social media feeds, you will notice contents that show-offs’ materialistic images. People often brag about the places they have been to, their fancy meals in a restaurant, lavish gifts, cars, houses, and more.

Yes, I tell you, I’m full of guilt with this, and I’m in the war of it. We constantly brag about the things we have earned and achieved. We drown ourselves in social media hours for hours to know the trends and new craze for us to immediately blend in and show off that it’s better if it is ‘me.’

An article said that “a recent study on the effect social media likes have on a teenager’s brain liken it to winning money or eating chocolate. The study also demonstrated that people are more likely to engage with posts that have been endorsed/liked by a large amount of their peers — a follow the crowd mentality.”

I believe because of this; we think that such behavior will uplift our self-dignity. We can get sympathy and approval from our friends, society, and netizens that we are somebody that we can look up to – a role model! We have achieved triumphs regardless of big or small.

Why to humble?

Luke 18:9-14 gave us a story of why to humble.

Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else:  “Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I’m not a sinner like everyone else. For I don’t cheat, I don’t sin, and I don’t commit adultery. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I’m a sinner.’ I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

This beautiful and meaningful story relates to our situation today. Most of us are the Pharisees who exalted themselves in front of God. Sadly, we often boost ourselves by showing off the materials we have in favor of getting praises and approval from others. It is a silent message saying, “See, I’m doing the right thing; thus, I succeed.” “God is in my favor.”

Some may disagree with me; because I did disagree with myself. The intention is to share and inspire others of my little joy and triumphs. I’m happy because I worked hard so, I was able to buy my favorite branded shoes. I’m proud and happy that I was able to visit the highest skyscraper in the world. I want to share this with my friends. And many other reasons. The question is, is that a genuine intention?

A question flux in my mind. Is Humility online possible?

An article I read said, “if the Internet is a place where we’re choosing to spend some of our time, then it’s a place where we are as obligated to obey Jesus’ words in Mark 12 just as much as we are anywhere else. In response to the question of which of God’s commandments was the most important, Jesus replied, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these…”

I asked myself, then how can I genuinely humble myself in social media? So, here are the five ways to practice humility on Social Media.

Stop Posting Too Much Selfies.

I can say that selfies are the new root of narcissistic behavior today. Imagine someone taking so many selfies and posting them online with so many make-ups or filters on their faces? Can you imagine yourself doing that? Using all these high-tech selfie sticks and beautifier gadgets, posting yourself on social media, assuming you are at the center of everyone’s story. Can you imagine doing that?

Start Talking about Someone or Something Else.

I believe it is better to talk about someone else rather than talking about you always. Thank someone dear to you, and share a simple story about why you are thanking them. It will surely inspire others! Try to share useful and verified information that will help others. Humility makes you think about what others can gain, too, rather than what you are gaining alone.

Take a Break from Social Media.

An article I read mentioned that “Social media is literally a platform meant to advertise what an awesome life you live.” It’s always ‘me, me, me’ like the selfie attitude. We often spend so many hours browsing and posting our content to highlight what we up to, what we have, and what we are planning to achieve. Taking a break from social media can give us time to meditate and reflect. It will help you restart and evaluate yourself.

Do you know how much time you spend on your Facebook App? Learn here.

Choose Who to Follow Wisely.

The word “Influencer” is sprawling over the internet, and mostly want to be an influencer. Even a three-year-old kid will tell you today that he or she dreams of being a social media influencer! It’s heartbreaking! Sad.

Some dream of being a Social Media Influencer, perhaps because of the attention and money they can get if someone is truly verified as a social media influencer.

People idolized some Social Media Influencers and followed them! However, it would be best if you wisely chose who to follow. Don’t allow yourself to be deceived by the glamour and social appeal. Check and evaluate the contents being shared by them. Ensure that you are not being ‘influenced’; rather, you truly understand their advocacies and are like-minded.

Avoid Posting Unhealthy Feelings.

It’s okay to talk about your feelings to others who you trust and comfortable with. However, posting all and most of your emotions and feelings online is unhealthy to yourself and others. Some say it’s their way of venting, and it’s their wall anyways. But this is not quite appropriate – many problems emerge today because of a short, double meaning post against someone caused by anger or annoyance. While the internet has a huge space for us to utter our opinions, we must always choose to post something that will uplift and inspire others.

My Takeaway!

Practicing humility is not easy. It takes a huge amount of willingness and training. It also takes time, courage, and honest intention to exercise humility. However, if you will start taking responsibility and removing self-gratification in your system, you will eventually be able to indulge yourself in thinking and helping others. After all, ‘no man is an island.’ The golden rule states that we must treat others how we want others to treat us. It teaches us how significant the need for humbleness in us.

Useful Reads: How You Use Your Favorite Social Media?, The Virtue of Humbleness

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