In this age of social media, influencers are seen as trendsetters and role models. So much so, that their 10 favorite products automatically become our 10 favorite products. We don’t just follow them for their content but also for their opinion.
As such, Christian influencers have also emerged as popular figures who use their platforms to share their faith and inspire others.
While there are many sincere and well-intentioned Christian influencers whose goals are to inspire and share the Gospel, it’s essential to recognize the potential dangers that can accompany following them blindly.
In this blog post, we will explore some of the potential pitfalls of following Christian influencers. Hopefully, you will be better equipped to navigate the online spiritual landscape with discernment and wisdom.
Shallow or Oversimplified Theology
Given their nature, social media platforms often limit the depth of discussions, making it challenging to delve into complex theological concepts. While Christian influencers can offer valuable insights, it’s important to recognize the limitations of bite-sized content.
As such, Christian influencers should not replace active participation in a local church or cause you to neglect personal discipleship. While online platforms can provide valuable resources, they cannot replace the significance of face-to-face discipleship within a local church community.
God has ordained the offices of pastors, elders, and deacons within the church to shepherd and feed his sheep. In Ephesians, the Bible says, “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ”.
Therefore, discipleship requires participating in a local church community. And submitting to the guidance of biblically qualified spiritual leaders (Heb 10:25). Relying solely on influencers for theological education may result in a shallow understanding of faith.
In light of this, following influencers should complement, not replace, the need for personal interactions and accountability that can only be found within the body of Christ.
Misinterpretation and Distortion of Scripture
Not all influencers possess a deep understanding of theology or adhere to sound biblical teachings inasmuch as their popularity may suggest otherwise. Furthermore, it’s common for Christian influencers to focus on specific aspects of Christianity that resonate with their personal brand or audience.
They may even prioritize personal opinions, cultural trends, or self-promotion over biblical truths. It’s for this reason that we should be careful because it can result in an incomplete or skewed understanding of the Christian faith.
Following them blindly could expose us to misinterpretation or distortion of biblical teachings. Therefore, it’s crucial to examine their content through Biblical lenses to avoid embracing false beliefs and being led astray. Without careful examination, misinterpretations can steer us away from the true message of the gospel.
Idolization
When it comes to Christian influencers, the potential for idolatry arises when we start to excessively admire them. Just like our favorite celebrities, our hearts are prone to placing influencers on a pedestal that should be reserved for God alone.
I’ve seen this happen when followers begin to prioritize the teachings, opinions, or actions of an influencer to the extent that they derive their sense of identity or spiritual worth primarily from their association with them.
While learning from Christian influencers, can be valuable, excessive dependence on them is sinful.
To avoid this pitfall, as believers, we should prioritize our relationship with God, test every teaching against Scripture, and maintain a healthy level of critical thinking and discernment. Balancing respect for Christian leaders with an unwavering commitment to God’s Word helps prevent the subtle shift from a healthy admiration to idolization.
Lack of Accountability
Anyone can establish themselves as an expert online if they are talented, attractive, gifted, and produce relatable content. Let’s face it, it’s part of the appeal that draws you in to become a follower.
However, unlike church leaders who are accountable to a congregation and elders, influencers often operate independently, lacking the same level of oversight. Not to mention, it’s impossible to put in place effective accountability systems to confirm their credentials, church involvement, or moral integrity. But such is the online space.
This absence of accountability, however, can lead to unchecked moral and doctrinal issues. True to this, we’ve seen several Christian influencers succumb to moral failure. With some going as far as to renounce their faith and sadly taking their followers down with them.
This happens when we cross the line and yield to them as though they are our spiritual leaders. This is why this line shouldn’t be blurred.
Even as we follow Christian influencers, it’s crucial to keep in mind that they don’t have the God-given mandate to shepherd us. They can’t truly take care of us the way our pastors and local churches should.
That’s why being plugged into a local church is important as I mentioned earlier. Within the local church, pastors can be held accountable if any doctrinal or moral issues arise. With the aim of protecting the congregants and the Gospel.
At the end of the day, what you need is a biblically qualified pastor, not a Christian influencer.
Superficial Christianity
The social media landscape fosters an image-driven culture where influencers focus on creating and maintaining a curated online presence. And Christian influencers are no exception. However, this is not to say that aesthetics and branding are inherently bad. But while it’s natural for influencers to present their best selves online, they consequently present a distorted version of reality.
This can create unrealistic expectations for ourselves and others which often promotes comparison, covetousness, and feelings of inadequacy and discontentment. Especially, if we don’t measure up to the idealized lifestyles portrayed by influencers.
Thus, it’s essential to remember that genuine Christian faith involves more than just a polished exterior. True discipleship requires humility, authenticity, and a genuine commitment to serving others rather than self-promotion.
Therefore, we should be cautious of influencers who prioritize their image above the need to grow in Christ. If we don’t, we risk being drawn into a superficial version of Christianity that lacks substance and fails to lead us into godliness.
Promotion of Materialism
Some Christian influencers intentionally or unintentionally showcase their flamboyant lifestyles placing excessive emphasis on material blessings and prosperity. Unfortunately, this may come off as an assertion that faith guarantees worldly wealth and abundance.
While there is nothing inherently wrong with financial success, it reduces Christianity to a gateway to success which distorts the essence of the gospel. Moreover, it may encourage a love of money which the Bible fervently warns against:
But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. 1 Timothy 6:9-10 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. Matthew 6:19-21 ESV
And Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” Matthew 19:23-24 ESV
As such, it’s important to critically assess whether the influencers you follow prioritize materialism over spiritual growth. Seeking happiness and fulfillment through material possessions is fleeting and unsatisfying. Following influencers who propagate this message can lead to a man-centered understanding of faith that neglects the core principles of selflessness, sacrifice, and serving others.
Related: Decoding Modesty: Biblical Reasons Why Christian Women Should Embrace It.
Blind Consumerism
Along with the romanticization of material wealth, the Christian influencer culture often promotes consumerism. Have you ever purchased something you didn’t need simply because your favorite influencer promised 15% off if you used their code? I know I have.
At the end of the day, social media influencing is a thing because there’s money to be made. In pursuit of it, sponsored posts, product endorsements, and the constant promotion of merchandise are part of the content produced by Christian influencers.
Again, there is nothing wrong with Christian influencers earning from the content they produce. But as Christians, we have to be aware of the negative effects of influencer-driven overconsumption. It’s easy to get caught up in the allure of spending money on things we don’t really need or can’t afford.
Blindly purchasing influencer-promoted goods can lead to a constant cycle of discontentment and poor stewardship of what God has given us. And yet, the Bible often encourages us to be satisfied with what God has given us:
Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5 ESV
Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:11-13 ESV
But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. 1 Timothy 6:6-8 ESV
The fact is, the happiness derived from these purchases is often short-lived and usually followed by regret. As such we must practice self-control and critical thinking. We should question our purchasing decisions, and consider our actual needs rather than succumbing to the pressures of influencer-driven consumerism.
Conclusion
The aim of this blog post is not to discourage you from engaging with Christian influencers altogether nor is it meant to bash Christian influencers. Rather, it’s meant to encourage you to approach this aspect of our digital culture with wisdom and discernment.
My aim is to encourage you to always compare what you see and hear with what the Bible says. As we navigate the digital landscape it’s important to be prayerful, seek God’s guidance, and lean on the Holy Spirit. Remember, our faith is ultimately centered on Jesus Christ, and our ultimate authority is found in the Word of God.
