Daily Worship

Influencers

Laura Digan August 20, 2019 0 0
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Jeremiah 23: 23-29 (GNT)

23 “I am a God who is everywhere and not in one place only. 24 No one can hide where I cannot see them. Do you not know that I am everywhere in heaven and on earth? 25 I know what those prophets have said who speak lies in my name and claim that I have given them my messages in their dreams. 26 How much longer will those prophets mislead my people with the lies they have invented? 27 They think that the dreams they tell will make my people forget me, just as their ancestors forgot me and turned to Baal. 28 The prophet who has had a dream should say it is only a dream, but the prophet who has heard my message should proclaim that message faithfully. What good is straw compared with wheat? 29 My message is like a fire and like a hammer that breaks rocks in pieces.

I was introduced to music at a really young age and I remember when I was about 4 years old wanting to grow up and be Debbie Harry. She was just so cool! Then in my teenage years Courtney Love became my musical and style icon. As an angsty teenager Courtney Love’s rage-filled delivery and raw, honest lyrics spoke deeply to me. And she was just so cool! Perhaps in retrospect not the best role model as her lifestyle was chaotic, as she battled drug addiction for many years of her life. 

Now-a-days, thanks to You Tube and Instagram, many young people aspire to be ‘influencers.’ They are just so cool! For those who do not know the term, an influencer is a person who via YouTube or social media will promote, through the presentation of an aspirational lifestyle, services and brands to potential buyers. And for many viewers the lifestyle that influencers lead is so glamorous, and they want it too. But how much of the lifestyle is actually true? For many influencers the life they portray online and on Social Media differs starkly from reality. And there are those influencers who are just down right irresponsible encouraging people into eating disorders and debt. 

Thinking about this as I read today’s scripture passage I’m questioning who do we allow to touch our lives? Who are the voices we listen to? Who do we allow to influence the decisions we make? Who are our role models? Are they Christian? Are they people who help us grow and deepen our faith? Is it Jesus…? 

 

Lord, help me to search my heart so I can understand who and what influences my life.
Help me to discern your voice and put it above all others. 
Change my thoughts and my deeds and inspire me with your values and intentions. 
Help me to be your example in the world, encouraging others to come and follow Christ.