Influencer: Finding Truths in the TrendsSample

Day 1: Avoiding the Performance Trap 

We live in a society where performance is becoming more valuable than character and depth. The addiction to perfect optics is so prevalent that rarely do some people post images on social media without adding a filter to it. While most of us want to appear to have minimal blemishes, the danger is that we can begin to apply filters to other areas of our lives.

Desiring a great image is not a bad thing, especially if you are a purpose-driven person. Between hustling to find the next big thing, managing expectations and relationships, and maintaining a healthy work/life balance, life can feel like we are chasing the wind, and reality may seem bleak compared to perfectly curated content. 

Despite this, the truth is that God does not expect us to look or be perfect. In fact, in our imperfections is where we see His redemptive power best. The performance or filter trap attempts to usurp God’s power by taking the work of redeeming our blemishes away from Him. Our efforts say that we think what God has given us to work with is not quite right and that if we work hard, we can curate perfection apart from Him.  However, according to Colossians 1:22, the deep work of completion can only be done by a sovereign God. 

Through Him, we are free from the performance trap because grace qualifies us regardless of the optics of our reality. It does not matter who you are or where you are in life, God Himself has called, equipped, and justified you to do the work you are doing, and He did so without you having to perform for Him.