Influencers at Large

 The internet has brought us many very useful tools to help us out and enhance our lives.  Many of us google just about any issue or problem we encounter for information. This googling ranges  anywhere from "what does poison ivy look like "to "what other movie have I seen that actor in?"

 Another app I go to quite frequently is Pinterest. It is full of all kinds of things to look up. And in my account I can choose to save many categories, for example, I can find ideas anywhere from keto recipes to how to heal a chicken of a" splayed foot."

I have spent much time (I won't relay how much)  looking on Pinterest for recipes, and other things.

There are so much interesting subjects out there that because of my access through the wonder of the internet I can find just about anything.

 Recently I discovered a new word that captured my interest. 

The word is "Influencer."

 I found that there are actual people that are called influencers. This may not be a new term, but it is new to me. There are women who tell us what to wear if we are over 50, how to fold a scarf 20 different ways, how to wear makeup properly, how to do a braid, how to paint brick fireplaces, and I am sure you have heard of the great "ice hack," and it goes on and on.

There have always been people who influence us. But now it is a term that is used to be very intentional in its practice.

Influencers are people who advise you on things according to their opinions. Many people have reels on Tik Tok and Instagram .

They grab your attention even when you are not looking for them. I am quite surprised at all the different new things people talk about. There are literally thousands of people who want to sway your opinion and give their "expert" advice.

Many of these people are of great character and they have great advice and really want to help you. To be sure, a lot of people fit into this category, but there are those that really do not care if they are giving good advice. Those are the ones that are only in it for themselves. For example, those who have only negative ideas that end up depressing an already depressed person by feeding into their already sadness and claim to be trying to help. That  all comes with free speech. And I am grateful we have free speech. But keep in mind, we have to sift through what we take to heart and what we take with a grain of salt.

I am very grateful that as a believer in Jesus Christ that I can depend upon the Greatest Influencer of all! I am referring to The Holy Spirit, and He is so much more than that, He is God in the Spirit and His role in my life is very important. He reminds me  of the promises that Jesus made when he was here in the flesh as well as convictions that I have because of His instruction through His Word, The Bible.

In the Bible there are definite absolute truths that God has shared with his people. He gives us an open window into His loving character, His ways and truths.  

 The Bible has also been very clear in the telling of people who failed at times in their lives. It doesn't hide these failures. And today people still fail to be perfect. {Romans 3:23)

 Even people that we think would never have failures, do have them. Some people turn away from God because of the failures of others that they feel are hypocrites. My answer for them is, that person did not die for you! Jesus did! And He never failed. He absolutely successfully finished his mission here on earth! And He now sits at the right hand of the Father ever making intercession for us! (Romans 8:34)

So that is a very weak excuse to not follow Jesus. He did it ALL perfectly. He is the only One who could!

And if anything, we should all want to be good examples and know that whether we like it or not we are all influencers and people are watching us who wear the name Christian. We need to remember we are image bearers of Christ. What are we saying to those who do not know Jesus and the Fathers great love for sinners. Whether you are looking for help in fashion or a great recipe or even better character here are a few influencing scriptures to help you in your quest for answers.

Guard your heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life. Proverbs 4:23

Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105

Teach me thy way, O LORD, I will walk in Thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name. Psalm 86:11

Everyone therefore who hears these words of mine and does them, I will liken him to a wise man, who built his house on a rock.  Matthew 7:24

Finally brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. Philippians 4:8

Some trust in chariots, and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. Psalm 20:7

To know Gods Word, is a lifetime journey of learning and believing its truths. To assume we are wise without it is like building our houses on the sand. In today's world of so many opinions it is the only hope we have that is Real Hope.