Media Alert!

December 2023

BLOG #50

Sue Summers

MediaSavvyKids.org

“Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.”  Romans 12: 2 (The Message)

“Make a Joyful Noise!”

The word “joy” comes up often during the Christmas season. Songs are sung, such as “Joy to the World” and “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee”. Many seasonal songs use “joy” in the lyrics, and it is a frequent expression in Christmas cards and decorations.

However, the concept of joy is not well understood in our culture. We mistake moments of happiness as a taste of joy and our culture fuels the confusion. Social media, entertainment, and advertising are filled with ideas of what brings happiness: travel, purchased goods, wedding plans, pets, houses, food, cars… and so much more!

The power of advertising is deep and wide. When I asked what a “happy day” would look like, many of the four-year-olds in the preschool class answered: “Going to McDonald’s”. Our children and teens have equated positive experiences with happiness. But do they fully understand the deeper meaning of joy?

Social media messages, for example, may seem to express joy, but the main focus is often self-centered and short-lived, and perhaps driven by FOMO (the fear of missing out). It appears that others are experiencing wonderful lifestyles and giddy relationships, but these are the postings of those who are eager to boast about their temporary highs in life. Although bursts of happiness can be felt while experiencing desired circumstances, true joy is something maintainable and deeper.

When asked about their goals for their children, most parents state that “they just want them to be happy.”

“Eighty percent of the youth we surveyed reported that their parents were more concerned about their happiness or achievement than about whether they cared for others… These parenting behaviors can also make children hyper-focused on their own needs and less likely to develop the concern for others and the common good that is vital to healthy communities and a just society.” (“Parents’ obsession with raising happy kids is a big problem,” http://www.bostonglobe.com)

Happiness is fleeting; joy is sustainable.

“The difference between joy and happiness lives in the mind and heart.

• Joy is in the heart. Happiness is on the face.
• Joy is of the soul. Happiness is of the moment.
• Joy transcends. Happiness reacts.
• Joy embraces peace and contentment, waiting to be discovered.
• Joy runs deep and overflows, while happiness hugs hello.
• Joy is a practice and a behavior. It’s deliberate and intentional. Happiness comes and goes blithely along its way.
• Joy is profound and Scriptural. ‘Don’t worry, rejoice.’ Happiness is a balm. ‘Don’t worry, be happy.’
• Joy is an inner feeling. Happiness is an outward expression.
• Joy endures hardship and trials and connects with meaning and purpose.
• A person pursues happiness but chooses joy.” (www.compassion.com)

Happiness is self-focused; joy is other-focused.

Christians are aware of the distinction between happiness and joy: knowing Jesus as Lord and Savior can result in inner joy.

“Joy is a deep sense of well-being that comes from knowing and serving God. It’s an internal state of satisfaction that is not dependent on external circumstances. Joy is the result of a relationship with God, and it is sustained through faith and obedience.

In the Bible, joy is often associated with worship and celebration, and it is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. Happiness, on the other hand, is a fleeting emotion that is often based on external circumstances and can be influenced by sin. It’s a feeling of pleasure or contentment that is temporary, and it can come and go depending on our circumstances.

Joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and a sign of a life transformed by God. It’s not something we can manufacture on our own, but it’s a gift that comes from God as we walk with Him.” (https://viralbeliever.com/christian-beliefs/basic-christian-beliefs/trinity/holy-spirit)

So how can we help teens become media-savvy about the culture that surrounds them?

Intentionally bringing meaningful concepts into conversations with our teens increases their ability to think critically and can strengthen relationships. Teens often get their values from adults they admire. Be a counterpoint to our culture! Try these discussion starters:

• After watching a TV commercial together that implies that a certain purchase will make the viewer happy, ask if that purchase would make them happy and then discuss what truly makes us happy.

• Ask, “Think of some times when you feel happy. Tell me about one of those times.”

• Ask, “Do you know someone who always seems to be unhappy? What is happening in that person’s life that might cause this?”

• After watching a movie together, ask about the happiness of one of the main characters. Ask, “What behaviors seemed to demonstrate his or her happiness or unhappiness?”

• Share, “On social media, many people post about experiences or purchases that have made them happy. Why do you think their moments of happiness are so important that they want others to know about them?”

• Share, “Galatians 5:22-23 (TLB) tells us: ‘But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control’. Let’s talk about each of these attributes.”

• Ask, “What do you think the word ‘joy’ means? Have you ever experienced a personal sense of joy? What caused that feeling? Describe how it made you feel.”

• Share, “Let’s try to figure out what the difference might be between happiness and joy. I’ll make 2 columns on a piece of paper and write each word at the top of a column. Let’s discuss what these words mean, and I’ll list our thoughts about each one. Then we’ll add to this list as we think of more ideas.”

• Share, “As Christians, we believe that knowing Jesus as Lord and Savior can result in inner joy. Why do you think our relationship with Jesus can bring us a sense of joy?”

• Continue this conversation as appropriate. This subject is one to chew on over time.

Note: Share this blog with your church’s youth pastor as a lesson for youth group gatherings.

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Sue Summers is a Christian media analyst, teacher, author, and speaker.

She is the Director of Media Alert!

Contact Info:

Blogs: MediaSavvyKids.org

Website: http://www.MediaAlert.org

Email: Sue@MediaAlert.org

#MediaSavvyKids, #ChristianParenting, #ChurchAndCulture, #YouthPastors, #YouthGroupCurriculum, #HelpForChristianParents, #TeensAndCulture, #AChangingCulture, #CriticalThinkingAndTeens, #IAmNotDefinedByTheCulture, #WhatIsHappiness?, #WhatIsTrueJoy?, #JoyIsFollowingJesus, #InnerJoy

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© Sue Summers 2023