Content advisory: This message includes brief discussion of pornography, image-based abuse, and digital exploitation, which may be sensitive or disturbing for some viewers. If you need support, please reach out to Pastors Jeff and Rowena Lloyd at Laneway Church, or contact the Safe Ministry hotline on 1800 774 945 or visit https://safeministry.org.au/.
We are shaped by what we love. What we linger over. What we give our attention to.
This week, Pastor Jeff invited us to reflect on beauty and ask a searching question: what do you love?
As we concluded our series on truth, goodness, and beauty in a digital world, we were reminded that beauty is deeply spiritual. God Himself is beautiful. His creation declares His glory. And every person, made in His image, carries inherent beauty and worth.
Yet in a digital age, beauty is often distorted. Images are manipulated. People are reduced to objects. Algorithms amplify what is provocative rather than what is pure. Pastor Jeff addressed three major challenges we face today: image abuse and pornography, growing isolation and loss of real community, and a constant busyness that distracts us from presence with God and others.
Scripture calls us higher. “Flee from sexual immorality.” “Whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, think about such things.” “Do not give up meeting together.” Again and again, we are invited to immerse ourselves in what is real and life-giving rather than settling for cheap substitutes.
We were challenged to take practical steps. To set boundaries. To seek accountability. To cultivate real friendships. To put down distractions and become fully present with Jesus and with one another. Because what we attend to reveals what we love, and love is shaped by what we linger over.
May we be people who choose the real over the artificial, presence over distraction, and the beauty of Jesus over every counterfeit.
