Social media and one’s online presence has become a milestone or achievement for so many people that we have even coined a term for it: influencer. Influencers are found on many social media platforms, where they are praised for their ability to create content with cohesive feeds, have thousands of followers, and influence people on all kinds of decisions, like things to buy or places to shop. As we scroll through the rabbit hole of likes and comments, it can be difficult to remain intentional and pragmatic. We have to remind ourselves that we’re only watching a fraction of a moment in someone’s life. So we must ask ourselves, how is it that these people have so much influence over our decisions?

There’s nothing wrong with looking up to people we admire, and it can be helpful and inspiring in most situations. However, it becomes detrimental when we try to mimic what we see online to the point where we become dissatisfied with ourselves. It’s easy to fall victim to the comparison trap, watching someone else’s life flashing before your eyes while constantly comparing it to your own. I wanted to take a moment to remember what life was like before influencers, before the digital age, and before the era of a glorified social media feed.

I truly believe we need a reformation. We need a strong reminder that God, our Redeemer, is the ultimate influencer. He may not have the Instagram feed to prove it but His flock sure is growing. The Holy Spirit does influence us if we lean in to that voice. The influence from Heaven is one of great authority, yet somehow we turn to our worldly influencers first. 

There are plenty of instances where prophets and ordinary people alike heard God’s voice and acted upon it. At that time, they could actually hear His voice, and while we cannot hear the audible voice of God today, we can hear the Holy Spirit. Acts 8:26-27 says, "An angel of the Lord said to Philip, 'Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.' This is a desert place. And he rose and went...." I can appreciate how easily Philip responded and acted on the voice of God, his influencer. So how can we make it our first instinct to turn to God, the ultimate influencer?

Make reading His word a habit

Whether it’s five minutes or one hour a day of intentionally reading the Bible, this helps us understand what God’s voice sounds like and we will be more apt to hear it.

Stay close in prayer

Praying is our greatest gift on Earth. We get to communicate our needs and praises straight to Jesus. This allows a daily practice and communication in meditation with the One who plans our steps.

Start acting on faith

Trusting God’s voice also means acting on it. The more we act on our faith, the more we do so, and the more apt we are to keep doing so in the future.

Believe He knows best

Knowing that God wants the best for us is the most peaceful feeling in the world.

Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them. How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them!

Psalm 139:16-17

Accept His plan is best

Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us, “For I know the thoughts I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Yes, it’s easy to watch what others are doing and try to match that to your life, but God is bigger than all the social media platforms in the world and His plan for your life is best. 

So, how will you choose to make God your ultimate influencer?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Giana is a wife, a mama, and a high education professional. She lives in sunny Southern California, just outside of Los Angeles. She has a passion for holistic health, writing, and learning how she can live her best and healthiest life, filled with love and joy, while helping others do the same. You can find her on Instagram at @giananataliav.