“My goal is to build Christ followers: to influence you to trust God and to seek His image and likeness.” - Kathy Spampinato

Are You a Follower?

Today's focus on social media means that many people seek significance through gaining followers. They strategize and plan, shape their online image, and arrange their thoughts and comments in an effort to attract others and become an influencer. They strive to build their audience and have a strategy to engage with others and portray their niche world.

They are working to attract attention and positive reinforcement. This becomes their occupation and identity. The image they portray is polished, although it doesn't always portray their real life or character. They will often change their own look or even their direction in life, in an effort to find what the audience wants or likes. What will attract the most people and what is the trend at this moment? Let's take a look at the definition of a follower.

Definition: A person who follows or subscribes to another's social media posts;

A person who follows another in regards to their ideas or beliefs; a disciple or adherent.

For me, the key factor is motive. Is the goal of the media interaction to gain your own adherents and build your own image? Will those who pay attention be impressed with you and your skills? Will your followers be better people because of your influence? Are you serving the follower or asking them to serve you and your goals? I suppose that my own efforts to write the Kingdom Kourage Blog could be viewed in this light. I am trying to build a following and to positively influence my readers. However, the goal is not to build my own followers. My goal is to build Christ followers: to influence you to trust God and to seek His image and likeness. I want my readers to become devoted followers or disciples of Christ. He is the important VIP. It is Christ who matters. His ideas need to be understood, modeled and followed.

The Apostle Paul writes "Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ." 1 Corinthians 11:1

Ephesians 5:1-2 "Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."

Hebrews 6:11-12 shares "And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises."

This verse explains my goal that you should be encouraged and strengthened. I want you to be filled with hope and expectation that God will work in your life. He knows your name! He understands what you are going through. Are you willing to trust Him with your heart and your future? Is this the year you become a devoted follower?

2 Corinthians 1:20 "For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory."

2 Peter 1:3-4 "His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world ..."

Let's join hands and walk together, as we strive to become like Jesus and follow His ways. The Holy Spirit is our guide and will strengthen us as we pursue God's promises. He has provided everything we need for life and godliness. Let's align our ways with His and see His promises manifested in our lives. We can do it!