In our world today, it is estimated that roughly 6.5 to 7 billion people own a smartphone. Of those numbers, almost 6 billion people are on social media. Of these billions of users, millions of them are striving to be “influencers.” They make posts and videos trying to convince people how to eat, workout, dress, travel, handle finances, parent, work, practice Christianity, and live their lives. It can be quite overwhelming. The reality is, billions of people are being influenced daily to pattern their lives after people of the world. While social media is neutral (can be used for good or bad), there is a warning I would like to offer you from the pages of scripture.
Paul would say, “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father” (Colossians 3:17) When we watch and allow ourselves to be influenced by people of the world, a dangerous temptation arises. Instead of living our lives in light of the Words of Jesus Christ through the motivation of what He has done for us, we start following the instructions of these mere men, seeking the “perfect life” they depict on their social media pages. Once again, there is nothing inherently wrong with wanting your house to have a certain aesthetic, striving to put on muscle, following the newest diet, or traveling when you’re young. However, when we forget our purpose and who we live for, our goals in life can be influenced towards worldly pursuits.
As a test, we must ask ourselves, are we the influence or the influenced? Jesus would say, “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Social media is a reality in our world today. As Christians, when we spend time on it, may we never allow ourselves to be influenced from our true purpose and goal in this life. May we always be striving to glorify God (1 Corinthians 10:31), spread the gospel (Matthew 28:18-20), and remain faithful that we might spend eternity with Him (Revelation 2:10).
-Bryce Mayfield