Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and other social media have become tightly interwoven into the dominant culture. Nowadays everyone aspires to be an “influencer”, gain a platform, and go viral. Becoming a celebrity is more accessible than ever, hence the influx of people fighting for their 15 minutes of fame.
The Lord recently showed me that the allure of the spotlight is not new. People have always lusted after power, notoriety, and influence. Social media is just the latest rebranding of an age-old problem.
This Isn’t Just a Secular Issue
Influencer culture has weaseled its way into the church and if we are honest some of our hearts. How many of us feel desperate to do something “big” for the Lord? I know I do. Yet, as I reflected on why I want Him to use me the Lord revealed my sinister motives. He showed me that I craved the spotlight just like everyone else. I want people to see me and be in awe of my wisdom, godliness, and His grace in my life. To an extent, I was self-deceived thinking this was about the Lord when it was all about me.
This is a horrific attitude, and I am thankful for God’s forgiveness. I’m also encouraged by what the Lord has shown me in scripture about His opinion on celebrity status and the real qualifications for being used for His glory.
The Sons of Zebedee
James and John, Jesus’ disciples, asked Jesus to sit at his right and left hand in glory. In other words, they desired to be the greatest. Like many of us, they weren’t content to be in the background but they were ready for a public promotion.
Jesus responds with a strong word. He says, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” (Mark 10:38). Promotion comes at a hefty price; are those of us craving celebrity status willing to suffer for it?
Jesus doesn’t stop there. He also reminds James and John that their position is prepared for them by the Father. They can’t just decide they feel like having more influence than others. Then He says something profound. He says, “ Whoever would be great among you must be your servant and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all” ( Mark 10: 43:-44). This is so good. How many of us want a spotlight without having to pick up a towel? Jesus reminds all of us in this moment that true influence in His kingdom comes through servanthood.
Instead of praying for the Lord to use me in a “big” way, I’ll ask Him for an opportunity to serve His children in whatever way He sees fit.
Simon, Then Peter
As the Lord convicted me of my pride and my wicked desire for self-promotion, the Holy Spirit reminded me of Simon Peter. When Jesus was teaching the disciples, He asked them who did they think He is. Only Simon responded saying that He is the Christ. This pleased Jesus because it showed that Peter had a relationship with the Father. Jesus says, “ Blessed are you Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood have not revealed this to you but my father in heaven” ( Matthew 16:17).
Then notice what happens. Jesus tells Peter he is the rock that he will build His house on (Matthew 16: 18). Peter only received this title and the accolades after it had been established that he had a good relationship with the Father.
This tells me that I should be more concerned about developing intimacy with the Father than about a promotion. Peter wasn’t seeking a spotlight yet the Father suddenly promoted Him. My guess is we can expect a similar response in our lives. The moment we put away our vain conceit and selfish ambition ( Philippians 2:3) is when we make room for God to establish and confirm us as He did Peter ( 1 Peter 5:10).
In a culture that glorifies our influence, we can choose to serve the One with unlimited influence. Thus, we posture ourselves to eventually step into the places and positions the Lord has prepared beforehand. Join me as I put “me” down and learn how to serve Him and others well.
