What's Influencing You? - Part 1

Influence can be subtle, but its impact is powerful. Influence is everywhere, from our phones to the people we surround ourselves with. Whether we realize it or not, we are actively and passively being influenced by the world around us. People being led astray typically do not realize they are embracing deception. At times it’s healthy to step back and ask ourselves, “what is influencing us?” In this series we will look at some ways we are being influenced and how it affects our spiritual walk with Christ. In this article, we will touch on content, specifically, the content we consume via platforms online. 

Even though we live in a world that is overly saturated with content, the reality is that finding edifying content is not easy. With the internet, we have easy access to what feels like endless resources. With a touch of a finger, we can consume content from various platforms. There are various mediums such as podcasts, videos, live streams, articles, courses, social media posts, blogs, infographics, and newsletters.

Yet, with all of these different mediums, quantity doesn’t equal quality. Someone can desire for meaningful Christ-centered content, but feel stuck when trying to navigate the endless noise. It almost feels like finding a needle in a haystack. In fact, at times, it feels like finding a needle in a haystack would be easier. The frustration of looking for content that encourages our soul might even lead us to question, “Does Christ-centered content exist?” This feeling is not unique to you, whether we realize it or not, we long for better content but are distracted with the filth that we are constantly being forced to consume due to profit-driven algorithms. Surely, there is Christ-centered content on the internet, but it requires going through many hurdles to find.

Although the search for edifying content is filled with challenges, it’s essential that followers of Christ continually fill themselves with biblical truths. There are many things we can consume, but what does the Bible say about the things we expose ourselves to? Additionally, how does the content we consume affect our relationship with God? To answer these questions, let’s take a look at what the Apostle Paul says in Romans 12.

Romans 12:1-2

In the first 11 chapters of Paul’s letter to the Romans, Paul goes into great detail explaining the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul touches on several topics such as the weight of sin, the grace of God, and salvation by grace alone through faith alone. In light of the first 11 chapters, Paul transitions in chapter 12 to talk about the implications of everything he mentioned thus far. 

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:1-2, ESV)

Paul’s solemn appeal is grounded in the gospel, which he expounded in chapters 1-11, and in light of the mercies of God. Because God is merciful and has made us his children through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, our response should be to deliberately set ourselves apart to God in an honorable way. 

Paul continues in 12:2 by giving two exhortations. The first is to not conform to this world. The Greek word for conform, “syschematizo,” means “to form according to a pattern or mold” (BDAG, 979). This is the same word used to describe the act of molding clay around a metal casting. The world has its way of doing things, and Paul warns them to not adapt to that same framework. Instead of conforming to the patterns of this world, Paul gives a second command to be transformed by the renewal of your mind. The Greek word for transformed, “metamorphoo,” means “to change inwardly in fundamental character or condition” (BDAG, 639). This is the same word used in the English cognate, metamorphosis, which is when a caterpillar transforms into a butterfly. Paul urges them to live differently from the world around them, but in order for them to do that, they must first be transformed. 

Paul is giving two alternatives, either imitate the world and its evil practices, or go against the grain by being transformed into the likeness of Christ. Not a partial change, but a total transformation. This type of transformation does not happen by chance, but is the result of a renewed mind. Once our mind is renewed, it will result in total transformation, which will enable us to discern the will of God. As we implant the word of God into our minds, our thoughts and life patterns will align more with God's will. As followers of Christ, our desire should be to live according to the will of God. The only way we can live this type of life, and experience the transformational change that Paul is talking about, first begins by the continual renewal of our minds. So how do we as followers of Christ go about renewing our minds?

Renewing Our Minds

The first and most important place we can go to renew our minds is the Word of God. Regardless of how much Christian content we consume, nothing will ever come close to replacing God’s Word. Scripture nourishes our soul. Psalm 1 uses the illustration of a fruitful tree to describe the blessed man who meditates on God’s Word. 

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.” (Psalm 1:1-3, ESV)

Scripture will never fail. Consuming Christian books, podcasts, articles, and sermons are great ways to edify our minds, but nothing comes close to reading Scripture yourself. That being said, while maintaining God’s Word as the primary means for renewing our minds, there are many great ways to supplement our souls as we go about the lifelong pursuit of becoming more like Christ. As mentioned earlier, the problem of finding meaningful, edifying, Christ-exalting content is difficult. On top of that, finding content that touches on all aspects of life is even more challenging.

Although the internet is filled with many distractions, there are still great resources hidden in all the noise. That being said, the amount of solid Christian content is scarce and the church has only scratched the surface of utilizing the internet as a means to edifying the body of Christ. There are many solid ministries that are using the internet as a means to disciple and strengthen other believers, and we should encourage more of this. Yet, at the same time, there is an overwhelming amount of surface level Christian content that exists on the internet, but falls short when it comes to engaging, connecting, and disciplining other believers. We don’t need more surface level Christian content, we need things that will bring Christ-like transformation.

Content on FaithOnline

This longing for deeper content that is Christ-centered and edifying to the body of Christ is one of the reasons why FaithOnline was created. When people come to FaithOnline, they can have a piece of mind knowing that the content they are consuming has been vetted, is theologically sound, edifying for the soul, and free of distractions. At FaithOnline you can find curated content that touches on all aspects of life. Whether you are single or married, a new believer or have been in the faith for decades, a young adult or a retiree, this is the place for you. A place where you can come hungry and leave full. A digital sanctuary where you can grow in your understanding of God’s Word. An online platform that doesn’t drain you, but gives life.

Whether we realize it or not, the content we consume plays a significant role in our spiritual walk with Christ. If our desire to look more like Christ, then it’s essential for us to consume things that point us to Christ. Scripture warns us to “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life” (Proverbs 4:23, ESV). In the first post of this series we saw how the content we consume plays a direct role in our walk with Christ. In the next post, we will see how the voices we listen to (Christian influencers, pastors, etc.) impact our spiritual growth.