Faith in the Age of Social Influencers

Yvonne Morgan

4 months ago

I’m going to age myself today. Growing up, summer evenings meant bikes in the driveway, neighborhood games until dark, and parents calling us home when the porch lights came on. Our parents limited our TV time, and social media did not exist, so we never followed famous people. We had no thoughts about how our favorite actors voted, or what they believed in, or their favorite products. They existed to entertain us. This new world of influencers baffles me.

Today, the voices shaping our thinking no longer come mainly from teachers, pastors, or even television. They come from the phones we carry in our pockets. The term “influencers” refers to individuals who use social media to shape the attitudes, behaviors, or purchasing decisions of an audience through their perceived authority, knowledge, or relationship with their followers. They now form a multibillion-dollar industry that impacts how we buy and how we vote, and many other areas of life.

Do you follow any social media influencers? I’ve caught myself more than once spending more time listening to online voices than quietly listening to God.

A Biblical Take on Influencers

When we allow influencers to shape our thinking or behavior, we often know very little about the person behind the message. What are their beliefs? Do you really believe what they are pushing at me, or just doing it for the money? We might simply follow because the crowd around us does. Not all will influence life for good purposes. Let’s look at a few Bible verses that might help:

“Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character.” I Corinthians 15:33 (NIV).
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” Proverbs 13:20 (NIV).
“Your boasting is not good. Don’t you know that a little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough?” 1 Corinthians 5:6 (NIV).

The Bible warns us about listening to and following people that might cause us to suffer harm to our faith.

Christian Influencers

The Bible is full of people that we could consider as influencers of their time. Old Testament people like Moses and David, who influenced entire nations to follow God. New Testament options include Paul, Peter, and Jesus himself. They all offer great examples of how to live a faith-based life. Their lives were not perfect, and through their mistakes, they taught us how to turn our lives around after sin.

The internet is also full of modern-day Christians in the influencer category, and they seek to lead people to lives of faith in Christ. Do you follow any of them? Though many offer true doctrine, we need to scrutinize online figures who rely on charming ways more than theologically robust ideas. Be wary of influencers who stay grounded in church discipleship and accountability.

Our Role as Influencers

Are we called to the role of Christian influencers? A Christian influencer, if they’re to truly embody the title, needs to allow their faith to always guide them. Our talents and influence should guide others to Christ, not draw attention to ourselves. God gave each of us a story that we can share that will help others find their way to Christ. It is a job we can all do with the right motives.

Christian influencers should focus on managing their online spaces to share the Gospel. Instead of chasing fleeting trends or personal fame, cultivate a profound connection with God. This will infuse your content with his love and truth. Leave a lasting, positive mark by highlighting genuine stories, showing sincere vulnerability, and connecting with your audience.

Core Principles for Christian Influence

Social media is something we can use daily to shape the faith of those around us. We can share Bible verses, encouragement, and prayers to lead others. Here are some principles to remember:

Purpose over Followers: Focus on your God-given purpose, passion, and message rather than just increasing numbers.
Authenticity and Vulnerability: Be real about your life, struggles, and walk with God, rather than presenting a perfect, artificial life.
Christ-Centered Content: Aim to make God’s name famous rather than your own, ensuring your content is biblical and truthful.
Serve Your Audience: Care for the needs and hurts of your followers, providing encouragement and biblical insights.
Protect Your Platform: Stewardship means being careful about the content you post and the partnerships you make, ensuring they align with your values.

Go and Influence

Together, we can turn our world around by sharing our faith with the world and counteracting those who seek to pull the faithful away from Christ. Even if we only reach one or two people, we have made a difference. In a world full of competing voices, perhaps the most powerful influence we can offer is a life that quietly reflects Christ.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, in a world filled with so many voices competing for my attention, help me keep my eyes fixed on You. Give me wisdom to recognize influences that draw me closer to Your truth and courage to turn away from anything that weakens my faith.

Teach me not to follow the crowd blindly, but to seek Your will above popularity, trends, or approval from others. Guard my heart and mind from messages that pull me away from Your purpose.

Help me also to use my influence wisely. Let my words, actions, and online presence reflect Your love, grace, and truth. May I encourage others, point people toward hope, and bring glory to Your name rather than seeking attention for myself.

Give me a humble and authentic spirit that honors You in every conversation, post, and relationship. Use my life to shine Your light in a world that desperately needs You.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.