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He was perfect. They crucified Him.

I am listening to a book called “The anxious generation” by Jonathon Haidt, a social psychologist from New York.

In the book he argues that Gen Z (Born after 1995)— of which I am a part of — have experienced anxiety and depression at astronomical higher levels than any other generation.

This trend started around 2010, when the iphone and social media were growing in popularity. He lays out a case displaying the direct causal effects of increased phone and social media usage on increased anxiety and depression – especially for young adolescent girls. 

Girls in particular are influenced by comparison online, wanting to belong to social groups and are more susceptible to be influenced by the powers of social media. 

Where do you get your validation?

My wife came across this quote the other day and I think it very aptly summarises the problems a lot of especially younger people face in this digital world. As they curate their personal brands, and are constantly “somewhere else” — living online.

The quote says “You are seeking validation from a world that crucified a perfect man.”

This quote goes beyond young girls' social media profiles and hits home with everyone. We are by nature social beings. We crave to belong, to feel accepted by the group. And that is not wrong, that is how God made us – relationship orientated. 

But he also says that when we follow Him, the world will reject us. And it's a hard truth, but as Christians it is a truth we need not just accept, but embrace. This world is not our home.

So next time you feel like you never measure up. Next time you feel like you are not accepted. Next time you feel like if only you could do a just better, then it would all be okay, then people would celebrate you.

Remember. 

There lived a perfect man.

And they crucified Him.

Don’t try and find satisfaction in a world that will never give it.

Find it in Jesus.

Until next time,

Be Blessed,

Aaron

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