Ash Wednesday

Wednesday, February 13, 2013      Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21

Danielle Crawford

We are officially living in the era of social media.  Society has come to embrace social media to a degree that just five years ago would have been unfathomable to us. In the age of Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube we can find out at the blink of an eye what newsworthy event is taking place on the other side of the world—in messages that are up to 140 characters no less! We are also able to reconnect and stay in touch with long, lost friends. And when that fix-the-toilet-yourself project goes bad, there is never a shortage of “how-to” video tutorials to steer us back on the right track. 

                What a powerful tool social media has become, but that isn’t to say it doesn’t have its drawbacks. Social media has also become a medium where over-sharing has become commonplace, many tend unleash their inner braggart, and others have become ensnared with keeping up with the virtual Joneses.  As social media continues to be an ever-present part of our lives it is important to not give in to these types of temptations. There is value in what we do silently, anonymously, and in a private place with God. Jesus teaches us with both his words and actions that there is merit in giving to charity solely from the heart, praying alone in a quiet place so that we might enable ourselves to hear the voice of God, and to building up our treasures in heaven rather than here on earth.  

Prayer: Dear God, help me to follow the example and teachings of your Son. Amen

Daily Challenge: Take some time to privately pray to God and while doing this, take a few additional moments to sit quietly and listen for His voice.