Overcoming a Fear of Social Media

Overcoming a Fear of Social Media

by Carl Colbert

“For the Kingdom of Heaven is as a man traveling into a far country, who called his own servants and delivered unto them his goods”

(Matthew 25:14, KJV).

I recently went to an all-day seminar designed to help writers learn how to get published. It was a great seminar, delivered by two servants of God who truly have a heart for His people. It covered important topics for writers: getting published, marketing, websites, and social media.

Oh no! Not that dreaded social media.

I’m one of the most antisocial people I know. Technology? No problem. I can handle that geeky stuff, but the idea of setting up an electronic platform frightens me. I’ve signed onto Twitter, but rarely use it. I’ve investigated Instagram, but never take part. I’ve thought about creating a blog post, and I’ve thought and thought and thought. That stuff is for extroverts.

So I went home feeling discouraged.

Mellowing in my easy chair to get my head back together, I signed into Facebook, the only form of social media I currently participate in. I scrolled down and came upon a post by a young friend of mine. She explained how the parable of the talents struck her as dealing with more than money. We need to give beyond our belongings; we need to give our abilities too.

There’s that word, talents.

Then my wife reminded me that I needed to get out of my comfort zone. Ouch.

I reread the parable of the talents. Verse 29 laid it all out in front of me: “For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance.” In everything it said. Even abilities.

Including those involved with social media.

I’m not forgiven the use of any kind of electronic platform. I must get involved. I need to examine it. I can’t bury it in the yard, not like that third servant.

I also need to continue writing. The Lord will guide me through the hard parts­­­­—the social media parts—like He’s guided me in my writing.

Father God, You created me, and You know what I can and cannot do. If You are telling me to market my talents on social media, then You know that I can do it. I’m not as socially inept as I think I am. Thank You for guiding me down every path, even the paths I’m reluctant to go on. I know that it’s You doing it, not me. And You are the ultimate Guide. Amen.