Influencers seem to be everywhere. Every time I read the news, there is an article about another person I have never heard of influencing thousands or even millions on YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, and other platforms. People are influenced by the thoughts, opinions, purchases, and actions of others whom they don’t know personally. It’s fascinating that someone, often very young, can impact so many others. The thousands who follow them will never meet them face to face, nor will they observe firsthand how they live their lives. Social media makes them seem incredibly important and experts in the field of fashion, makeup, games, relationships, books, movies, or something else. Trendsetters who you don’t know and will never meet, trying to convince you of what you need to be happy, beautiful, successful or popular. There are even YouTube instructions and strategies on how to be an influencer.
Influence (and Influencers) Are Fleeting
There is no way of knowing how long “influencers” will influence marketing. What we do know is that people are fickle, fads come and go. Most importantly, no earthly possession or position will mean anything once we die. The names of most trendsetters will disappear once their earthly life ends. Their family and friends, of course, will remember them, but all those followers will move on and follow someone else.
It’s challenging to resist the latest “must have” to obtain the look someone we don’t know says we must have, or the home, children, or job that will somehow magically change our lives and bring happiness.
Be Not of this World
Resisting the things of the world as promoted by the current influencer is not new; it’s just old marketing repackaged. Next year, the current “must have” will be forgotten and abandoned, and a new “must have” or “must be” will emerge.
There is only one influencer worth following— Jesus. He does not change with the whims of what’s popular. He is the same today, yesterday, and tomorrow. The one relationship we must have is with Jesus. He came to give us eternal life, which will not perish, rust or decay. The perfect job, clothes, makeup, fame, possessions will not follow us into eternity. The Bible says they are all wood, hay, and stubble. Eternal life through Jesus is the only goal to pursue. It is more precious than silver or gold. God’s desire is always that we seek Jesus and His kingdom; to look at His glorious face, not walk away, but walk towards Him, be transformed by Him, become like Him in all we do and speak.
Let Jesus’ Love Influence You
The more the love of Jesus influences us and the more we allow His love to flow freely, the more we will influence those around us. Because the truth is, we are all influencers. We influence our children, friends, family, and every person we encounter. Each moment we have the opportunity to lift someone’s spirit, encourage kindness, honesty, love, grace, and mercy. We can change the trajectory of a person’s day with a smile, a word, or a gentle touch. We have the privilege of being influencers for Jesus Christ. His love is powerful and eternal. His love does not change with the latest trend; it endures forever.
What kind of influencer will you choose to be?
Blessings,
Personal Parables Questions
- What areas of my life are being influenced by someone other than Jesus?
- How can I make an intentional decision to be an influencer for Jesus?
- What is one thing I can do today that will positively influence another?
Prayer
Lord, it is so tempting to be influenced by what the world tells me is important. Forgive me. Your word is the only truth that never changes. Help me to keep focused on your will as reflected in your word. I want to be an influencer for You. Amen.
Scripture for Meditation
(All versions below are NASB20 unless stated)
Matthew 5:13-15 – You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by people. you are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
Psalm 26:2 – Examine me, O Lord, and put me to the test; refine my mind and my heart.
Mathew 6:19-24 (ESV) – Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Music for Reflection
Good insights, Dyann. The concept of “influencers” always gives me a degree of annoyance, but your post is a good reminder that Believers should be influenced by our savior, Jesus.
Thank you Catherine
Beautiful post, Dyann. Thank you for being such a positive influence in my life and the lives of so many in our community.
Thank you dear Jeannie.
Dyann,
Good post. “Influencers” are, generally speaking, self-absorbed and self-important, both of which are antithetical to the Gospel.
I do believe their time will pass. After all, look at how quickly “flash mobs” came and went. 🙂
Thanks for your insightful thoughts!
Tim
Thank you,Tim.
One of the most heartbreaking realities is many of the “influencers” seem to die young.
Thank you for addressing this important topic. The concept of using influencers is even a part of faith-based publishing these days. I understand it’s about marketing and getting the word out, but I’ve seen a once-trusted source also become a liability when they have a fall from grace or in some cases even leave the faith.
You’re welcome Maggie. It’s challenging for sure. Especially for those of us who write and the size of platforms, email lists,etc become important for publishing. In the end, Jesus is the one we serve and He is the only influencer worth following.