I find myself needing to fast social media quite often. Normally, I will delete my Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat apps for a few days or weeks at a time. I typically do this when I have a lot going on and need to eliminate distractions.

This year, instead of New Year’s Resolutions, I decided that I would fast something new each month. I chose to fast Instagram and Twitter for the month of January. I deleted Twitter because I waste so much time scrolling through trying to find something to laugh at. I deleted Instagram because I realized how heavy I compared my life to other people’s.

Instagram is both my favorite and least favorite app. I love it because I love editing photos and posting them for my friends to see. I love seeing how other people spend time and make their feeds ~cool~. On the other hand, I hate how it makes me feel sometimes. I get caught up in seeing where other people are compared to where I am. It is something that deeply impacts my walk with God.

Sometimes, it makes me strive to be more. It makes me want to spend more time in His word and more time in His presence because I am inspired by what I see. Sometimes, it just makes me want to post more. It makes me want to post more about what I am reading and what has been on my heart to prove that I am just as faithful as she is. Sometimes, it makes me want to give up altogether. I see how God has used @prettychristiangirl and wonder why I haven’t been used in the same way. I feel like I am behind in the race to His kingdom. It all turns into a mental competition in which I seem to be lagging behind.

The reality is that no matter how pretty the calligraphy in my Bible is and no matter how perfect my Jesus Calling devotional looks with my coffee mug, it is worthless until my walk matches it. Here’s what I mean: I can have everything aesthetically put together for a super dope Instagram story, but it is utterly meaningless unless I am applying it and living it out in my every day.

Another reality is that our walk with God is between God and the individual. It has nothing to do with the girl next to you or the person you follow on Instagram. It has nothing to do with what other people see or think. It is a full surrender and submission to a non-condemning and perfect Father. Don't underestimate what God can do in private.

My point is: don’t fall into the trap of comparison. I am so grateful for the people who broadcast their faith because they truly inspire me. I am excited to see how God will use them to do big things because of the fire that is inside of them. Their obedience hypes me up and makes me want to be a part of what they are doing. Use these people to your advantage. Don’t become frustrated or discouraged because their life looks better – because it truly just looks better. Not one Christian is living the way their Instagram is living.

Let your light shine. We have all been given a platform whether we are aware of who it is or not. Jesus has hand crafted you uniquely different from 7.5 billion people. Let that be your confidence to be who He created you to be. Living for the glory of God is so much more fulfilling than seeking the approval of man.