3 Reasons To Quit Following Social Trends
Are you following social trends?
Are you seeking others’ approval?
Are you waiting to be picked?
Are you desperate to be loved by others?
Are you insecure?
Or…
Are you confident in your God-given capabilities?
Are you tired of following trends?
Are you fully informed of your true identity?
Are you a winner?
Image courtesy of lkunl / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Why This Is A Problem
Over Christmas, I spoke at a conference in Leeds UK, where I challenged a group of young people with 5 practical steps they can take to overcome peer pressure and temptations. This post was inspired by something one of them said to me when we shared openly about their peculiar challenges. She said (minor paraphrase):
My greatest challenge is the significant force and pull to always follow trends, to be accepted, to fit in..
I wasn’t stunned; I’ve been there before. As a young lad, it was about wanting to wear designer brands, looking ‘cool’ and feeling accepted by the youth culture at the time. Can you relate?
This is a problem, for adults too – we want to be accepted, we naturally seek the praise of men, we crave a sense of belonging. And when we don’t get the attention we think we deserve, everyone appears to be against us.
The pressure of social trends today is even more powerful and more dangerous.
3 Reasons To Say “NO, Not Anymore!”
Haven’t you followed social trends long enough? Wouldn’t you make this new year the decisive moment you decide to quit seeking men’s approval and live the life God intends for you, not what others are doing? Isn’t it about time you regained control of your life, time and refocus?
There are three fundamental reasons why you should quit following social trends:
- They never last. They are seasonal and afterward you’re after the next fix. That’s not the way to live purposefully.
- They are people-centered. Most social trends revolve around people, not God.
- They don’t save, change or transform lives. Do you REALLY want to live for something that gives no true and lasting joy?
Do Not Conform – You’re Better!
The words of that young girl genuinely got me thinking of how many lives are being distracted by social trends – social media, what to wear and how to dress, who to date, what to drive, what you eat… all around our public image.
But scripture says:
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 ESV
So many social trends have their roots in our insecurity and blindness to our God-designed identity. But that can change this year. Resolve and act to quit following everyone and everything!
What social trend have you struggled with in the past? If your struggle is current, what are you doing about it?
About Joseph Iregbu
From a homeless, near-school-dropout to living a story worth telling. Purpose is my passion. What's your story?
Following trends always leave us feeling empty. It’s striving and it never amounts to contentment. Great post Joseph
Couldn’t agree more, Eileen.
My wife and I often laugh about us being way behind the trends. We normally feel uncomfortable if we find ourselves with several others. Then we ask the question, are we sure that if everyone else is doing it that we should be too?
I couldn’t more highly support the thought process that we are meant for so much more. Thanks for articulating this vital lesson!
Thanks man! There’s definitely MORE to life and we are called to live it, not chase social trends.
So true Joseph. The social trends just come and fade they never last. We know that we should put all trust in God and live for his will and not for others. So awesome.
Thanks Lincoln. I’ve struggled with this a number of times, whether it be social media or technology. But I’ve learned over time to understand how to ‘use’ trends and not be ruled by them. God’s grace avails for us but we also need to discipline ourselves. Thanks a lot man and have a fab Sunday!