Influencer: Finding Truths in the Trendsናሙና

Day 2: Growing Admiration 

It used to be that someone was considered an influencer if they beat extraordinary odds, pioneered an industry, or held a powerful position. Not anymore. Now, if you can get a few thousand people to follow you on social media, you are automatically deemed an influencer. As the term loses its impact, how can believers maintain a high standard as part of our Godly mandate to make disciples while in this world, but not of it? 

First, we must commit to casting down idols. Society tends to make idols out of trends. However, as quickly as trends are elevated, so they are torn down. To be a Godly influencer is to recognize that nothing should rival our pursuit of God's purpose. When we establish our priorities as God first, and everything else second, it becomes easier to cast down the things that want to creep up as idols in our lives by demanding our attention, affection, and resources. 

Second, we must commit to operating within our rightful roles. Matthew 25:14-29 makes it clear that when it comes to our giftings, resources, and abilities, we are not the owners—we are simply managers. At work, a manager is submitted to the owner and positioned to follow his or her directions. One of the biggest dangers of influencer culture is the adulation that comes with it that can deceive us into thinking more highly of ourselves than we ought. The more likes, retweets, and comments we get, the more affirmed we feel. If we are not careful, we can begin to use others' admiration to exalt ourselves above the message and the owner. 

Godly influence understands that admiration naturally  comes from others when you are walking in your God-given purpose, but like Jesus in John 6, it does not seek to leverage that admiration for selfish gains. To truly be countercultural as Godly influencers is to be intentional about pointing all successes and glory back to God.