As many of you know, my break from social networks came to an end a little less than a week ago. It lasted all of two and a half weeks. My choice to end the fast was not out of desperation (I need to get back on!!!). It was a decision made out of aspiration to share. As those two and a half weeks passed, it’s true that I gained some time, but I hardly became any more productive. Then there were all the times that I had a scripture I wanted to tweet or some word of encouragement that I couldn’t post because of being away from social networks. Then, a question struck me and I got some perspective on social networks.

Are social networks a place where you build a monument to yourself or a place where you build others up through encouragement?

As I thought about this, I realized that, though I was no longer being tempted to show off on social networks, I was missing out on opportunities to encourage others and speak life into people. That’s when I decided to get back on. So here’s what I’ve learned from my little social network fast: I want to be more intentional with the way that I use social networks. I want my posts to be scripture and words of encouragement and slices of life that build up those who see them. Also, I don’t only want to post my own stuff, but I will seek out what others are saying and respond to them. My hope is that this monstrous thing called social networking will not be some sort of monument I build to myself, but instead a way for me to build others up.

So my question to you is this: What do you use social networks for? Are you exalting yourself and looking for attention or are you seeking out others to build them up?

Do not share selfish words, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. (Ephesians 4:29)