If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.
Galatians 5:25 ESV
Last night, as I lay in my bed praying, the Spirit of the Lord spoke to me in that still, small voice that you can only hear when all is quiet and there’s no distractions.
He said something so simple, yet so profound. He said, “I want them to follow Me, not each other.”
I could expound on that truth with examples from the Old Testament, like when Israel wanted a king like the other nations of the world. They wanted a ruler they could see instead of following the invisible God. We all know how that turned out.
Yet, as I meditated on what God said, it spoke truth on so many levels that to limit it to one interpretation would be foolish. The application is what’s important. There is only one correct application: follow God.
I want them to follow Me, not each other.
I quit using social media about 5 years ago. It was two election cycles ago. I was tired of all the ignorant, judgmental and hateful comments my friends were posting. I don’t think things have improved since then. If I consume hate, how long before it affects my soul?
Social media is built on one person following another. Success is measured by the amount of followers you have. There are now careers built upon creating content that people will consume and in turn subscribe to whatever it is you’re producing.
Usually, the lowest common denominator wins. Social media is flooded with garbage and mindless entertainment. For the most part, it has zero redeeming value except to make money.
The owners of the platforms make the lion’s share while content creators burn out trying to keep it fresh for their audience. In reality, they become a slave to the platform and their mental health is compromised as they live inauthentic lives in an effort to attract followers.
Just as commercial television is one big trap to market products and services, the profit motive perverts everything.
You can’t believe what you see and read online. It’s all marketing. It’s not intended for your benefit. It’s intended to be addictive so someone else can make money off your undivided attention.
There’s a better way. Frankly, the Kingdom of God operates completely counter to how the world does. We give everything away for free. If you like it, and you’re able, and feeling so led, you’re free to donate or contribute to the cause but there’s no obligation. Money should never be a barrier to receiving what you need.
Those who worship the god of Mammon will disagree. Those who worship the One, True God know and recognize truth when they hear it.
Follow God, not each other. Everything you need is found in God. The world has no answers, only hooks and chains. Freedom is found in Christ, not finances. Material things perish, the Word of God persists through all generations.
What is truly valuable? Knowing the truth. The truth can set you free. As spiritual leaders, we should be equipping those we serve to do the work of the ministry. We must multiply ourselves.
In the natural, we are born to reproduce. Otherwise, we’ll go extinct. The same is true in the spiritual. Don’t try to make followers who are dependant on you. That’s failure as a teacher.
What parent would want their child to never grow up and become self-sufficient? Has the Church discouraged spiritual maturity by not empowering people in ministry so that the few can retain control and continue to draw a steady salary?
If money makes your decisions for you, then money is your god. God never said follow the balance sheet. He said, “Follow Me.”
If you follow God, He will provide everything you need. That’s a promise. If you follow the wisdom of the world, you’ll be an empty bag blown about by the wind.
It’s time to get real about what you believe. Put it into practice. If we believe that we are filled by the Spirit, let us walk by the Spirit. Let us keep in step with the Spirit.
If you trust God, let Him lead you. Encourage others to do the same. Teach them the simple practices that keep you on the straight and narrow. Don’t seek to control. Liberate the captives.
And read a book for God’s sake. He wrote one. It’s called the Bible. Best book ever. Learn to feed yourself. Don’t outsource the responsibility for your spiritual health and growth to a service provider. You are a temple of the Holy Spirit. Steward your temple well. Follow God’s Spirit.