​”Influence” Is Just a Distraction from Our Purpose

​We all know what an influencer is. They’re the people with the big followings, the perfectly curated feeds, and the power to get us to buy that new pair of sneakers or try the latest coffee trend. An influencer’s value is often measured in likes, clicks, and sponsored posts. Their goal is to get us to react, to engage, to buy. It’s about a job built on the speed of the digital world, where today’s viral sensation is tomorrow’s forgotten meme. It’s a game of fleeting attention.

​That, my friends, is a distraction. Influence is about swaying people’s decisions, getting them to click a link, buy a product, or follow a trend. It’s temporary. It’s a rush of adrenaline, but that feeling doesn’t last. The moment you move on, so does everyone else. It’s like pouring water into sand—it looks impressive for a second, but it doesn’t leave a lasting mark.

​True Legacy Is Found in “Impact”

​This is where an impactor comes in. An impactor isn’t chasing trends; they’re building something that lasts. An impactor’s value is measured in the positive, enduring change they create in the lives of others. They use their platform, not for temporary persuasion, but for permanent purpose.

​An impactor might use their platform to teach a skill that helps someone get a job, start a non-profit that provides clean water to a community in need, or share their personal story to help someone feel less alone in their struggle. The ultimate impactor is Jesus Christ. He didn’t have a social media presence, but His impact is the foundation of a faith followed by billions.

​Are You a Slave to the Algorithm?

​It’s completely human to be drawn to the likes and comments. They’re a form of validation, and our brains are hardwired to seek approval. It’s hard to not get caught up in the notion of the algorithm and trendsetting, because they’re designed to tap into our deepest need for connection. Every like, comment, and share feels like a physical hug.

​But as you pointed out, this creates a spiritual paradox. Our job is to reflect the everlasting fruits of the Spirit, but our tools are built on fleeting trends and the pursuit of human approval. This puts us in a constant tug-of-war between two different masters.

​The algorithm is not neutral. It’s engineered to keep us engaged by rewarding us with those little dopamine hits. When we prioritize the algorithm, we can start to unknowingly compromise our purpose. It rewards content that is fast, sensational, and trend-focused—which often goes against the quiet, counter-cultural nature of true faith.

​How to Stay Grounded and Focused on Impact

​You don’t have to quit your platform to win this battle. Instead, you can change how you view your metrics and how you engage with your work.

​1. Reframe the Metrics: See likes not as personal validation, but as a way to measure the reach of a message. A million likes might mean a million people saw a message of hope. The focus shifts from “Look at what I achieved” to “Look at what God is doing.”

​2. Focus on the One: Remember that a true impact is often made on a single person at a time. The most powerful moments of faith don’t happen in the comments of a viral post. They happen in a private message, a quiet conversation, or a personal breakthrough. When you get a comment from someone saying your post helped them, focus on that one comment. That is the real fruit of your labor.

​3. Practice Digital Self-Control: It’s a spiritual discipline. Schedule a time to post and then walk away. Don’t check the numbers for a few hours. This trains you to not be a slave to the immediate feedback loop.

​It’s hard, but the beautiful part of this struggle is that it reminds you that your work is not about you. It’s about showing the Glory of God and all the fruits of the Spirit. When you keep that as your compass, you can navigate the choppy waters of social media without losing your way.