Influencers
A recent poll revealed that more than 50% of the Gen Z generation (born between 1997-2012) desire to be social media influencers. For the uninitiated, an influencer is, “a person with the ability to influence potential buyers of a product or service by promoting or recommending the items on social media” (dictionary.com).
Experts think there are several reasons for this. One is fame. With social media, you no longer need to be an athlete, actor, writer or musician to become famous. Our culture has long worshipped fame and sought it. Another is economics. Influencers can become very wealthy. Endorsements of products are coveted by companies if one has millions of followers.
Fame and wealth typically go together and, so, being an influencer is an ideal goal for many young people. They are known by millions and have financial security.
Yet, if we take even a glance at the history of the rich and famous, we will find rarely that either brought joy or peace. It is a seduction that so often leads to misery, addictions, and utter lostness. Yet, many people still dream of (and pursue) having it.
What does it say about us as believers if we and/or our children pursue fame and wealth when the Scriptures clearly teach the dangers and futility of it. Here is some wisdom from the Lord:
“…though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them.” (Psalm 62:10)
“Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless.” (Ecclesiastes 5:10)
“What will you do on the day of reckoning, when disaster comes from afar? To whom will you run for help? Where will you leave your riches?” (Isaiah 10:3)
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)
“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” (Matthew 6:24)
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” (I Timothy 6:10)
It is not that all wealth or fame is bad; however, they are strong temptations that can shipwreck our faith. All we have to do is look at so-called celebrity Christians—pastors, musicians, authors, and athletes, among whom there have been many who have chased after fame and wealth in the name of the Lord and then have fallen into lifestyles displeasing to him.
With so many warnings, it seems wise to heed them and not get caught up in the desire for wealth and fame. It also seems wise to emphasize these warnings to our children, so they have their eyes wide open about the dangers of fame and fortune. And these warnings are not given merely to deprive us, but because fame and wealth represent validity and security in our culture. If one’s validity and security are placed in any other thing besides the Lord, then it is an idol. And idols always fall short and disappoint because they never can provide us with true validity or security. Only in the Lord can we find them.
An influencer role worth pursuing is one that persuades people that their only way to validity and security is not through a product or accumulated wealth, but through a relationship with God. It is a worthy life goal that we should embrace and teach our children to embrace as well.
© Jim Musser 2024 All Scripture references are from the New International Version, 2011.
