I read today about a mom who took to social media to complain that one of her kids wasn’t getting as many “likes” and comments on Instagram as other kids, and was worried that one day he was going to see the statistics and have his self-esteem hurt because his pictures weren’t responded to as much as others. She went on to say, “I wanted to clarify that I revealed this feeling because I know one day he will see the numbers and have to learn that his value is not in online approval.”
It’s sad that people gauge their significance by the number of Twitter followers or “likes” they get on their Instagram pictures. This mom is afraid that his social media statistics mean this son is being overlooked, and that he’ll be hurt by that down the road.
This time of year, we celebrate a child whom a lot of people overlooked. Some were openly hostile toward Him (e.g., Herod), and others indifferent. The immediate visitors He had lauded Him, but their primary audience was sheep, not people.
As the years went by there was much the same reaction. He performed miracles and taught in such a way that people were left in awe, but many of them still went on their way, oblivious to what He could mean for their lives. In His case, people overlooking Him disappointed Him, but not because He got His value from others’ opinions. It saddened Him because by missing out on a relationship with Him people were missing out on real hope; real life; and salvation.
I’m glad my kids learned that their significance isn’t found in the number of likes or followers they have, but in the fact that they are children of God, created in His image. And that the little baby whose birth we celebrate is the way, the truth and the life. Hopefully this little boy will learn that too. In the meantime, please “like” this post or I’ll curl up in a ball and cry.