Under the Influence

Temptation is a real thing. And it can be anything! Chocolate, tacos, chips. I realize that’s all food. Now you know some of my weaknesses. How about our social media feeds though? How many times have you had something present itself to you that resonates with a recent wish or concern that’s been on your heart? It’s a little creepy how our phones or computers know that, but it makes it so easy to click the link and just like that all our wishes will be shipped within one to two business days. That is until the next screen or influencer has another something they’re obsessed with and they want to let us in on their discovery. Those convincing before and after photos prove why we need their exact product. They’ll even offer their special discount code just for us. They’re our best friend. A friend that’s competing for our attention, ‘likes’ and financial support. We scroll and absorb and we don’t realize that we start to trade contentment for comparison. It’s fast and addictive. I’m all too familiar with this because I can easily succumb to it.

Please hear me out because it’s not my intent to judge or criticize today’s influencers.

There are some really good and honest ones that believe in what they present. I’ve found some products I really like. I’ve seen and read some beautifully done faith-centered posts. They can all be inspiring and make all of my concerns feel seen and understood. Sometimes though, I can feel like my faith isn’t enough when the weight of what’s on my heart remains. The line between inspiration and imitation gets blurry fast.

It can raise the question of whether or not we’re following God, or someone who says pretty things about God. Not that that’s bad. God gives us people to speak His Truth, but we need to ask ourselves who are we truly following. The influencer or God? In other words, are we following a trend or the One who transforms? We’re constantly being shaped by something. Our environment, our relationships and the things we see, hear, and feel - including social media.

Paul warns us in Romans 12:2, “Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” (CSB)

Wow. God’s Word is so good at convicting without condemning. This verse makes me stop and really think about what’s motivating me. We’re called to be under God’s influence and we’ll find Him in His Word and through His Spirit. We need to take our normal, everyday life - our eating, sleeping, doing errands, going to work, chasing kids, running businesses, going to school, all of the things in life - and give it all to God. It’s easy to lean towards a hopeful hack to make our lives feel easier or more effective. And when we do this, we tend to put God on the back burner until it feels more convenient. It’s not about fitting Him into our schedule. He should be a priority that’s woven into our schedules.

It’s a never-ending challenge though. We want immediate gratification, answers now, results now. I’m so guilty of this! It’s so easy for me to get lazy or impatient and it feels like I’m not hearing or seeing God. Or, I get into my own routine, and not the routine God designs for me. I need to stop and remember to look for how God moves. He’s in the stillness. He’s subtle. He comes quietly. Most of the time. I’ve had times where it felt like He made himself pretty obvious. Not my best moments.

God will not compete for our attention. He moves in His own timing and it requires our patience. Express shipping isn’t an option we get to select when it comes to God’s transforming us….even when our circumstances feel like we desperately want results. I’m in a season where I understand that all too well.

I’m also learning to remember that God’s influence is different. He transforms from the inside out. It’s eternal, not trendy. He is timeless. This requires trust without proof. It’s not likely that we get to see the before and after pictures when it comes to our faith until we experience it for ourselves. We need to trust in our ongoing transformation. In other words, we need to focus on God and what He says and not let the culture around us drag us down and mold us into its level of maturity - or sometimes its immaturity.

It really is a beautiful thing to know that we’re constantly being shaped by God. He’ll bring out the maturity in us. We are a reflection of Him. So we need to have an active awareness of that. It might not always feel fun or be convenient. But I believe with everything in me that what God has designed for you and me is way better than whatever is trending at any given moment.

So, if you don’t mind, I’d like to ask you a question. How do you start your day? Do you open one eye, grab your phone and try to focus on what it’s revealing for your day? If you’re internally nodding your head yes like me, I’d like to encourage you, and myself, to try something. In the stillness of the morning (which is a challenge if you still have littles or barking dogs in your neighborhood), before you reach for your phone, open both eyes, start your day with a little prayer. It doesn’t have to be fancy. Just say good morning to Jesus and ask Him to be present in your day before you do anything or make any decision. Or try reading some scripture and let God’s words be the influence that starts your day. Better yet, do both! I know when I do this, my day always feels more centered and balanced. I’m not saying it doesn’t have its moments, but I feel like I see things through the lens of my faith and not the crazy around me.

I hope you’ll join me in my challenge to my own self. Start your day under God’s influence. Pay attention to how it changes your day and your mindset. Think about where you feel your focus. Jesus? Instagram? TikTok?

We’re going to be influenced. We need to decide if we want to be influenced by the world or God. It can’t be both. God won’t let it. Because trends are temporary. When we’re under God’s influence, our lives won’t be shaped by a fleeting moment, it’ll be shaped for an eternity with Him. And that is something I want to subscribe to over and over. I hope you do too.