Ignore Social Media

When we let the Spirit do his work in us, we follow in the footsteps of Christ.

“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed. He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the Lord’s favor has come, and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies. To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory.”

—Isaiah 61:1-3

These verses in Isaiah were spoken over me by a fan one evening after a show. He shared, “I believe this scripture is what you’re doing with your life and music.”

I was skeptical at first, but now I believe this to be true. While this scripture is known as a prophetic text pointing to Jesus—who also quotes this passage (Luke 4:18)—Jesus also has his disciples do the same as this text. When he sends out seventy-two of his disciples, they bring good news and heal the brokenhearted and oppressed.

God gives each one of us talents and abilities in our lives. I was given the ability to use my vocal chords to scream on stage, which led to a platform so I could impact people. God’s question to me—and everyone—is, “what will you do with what I’ve given and gifted to you?”

When we let the Spirit do his work in us, we follow in the footsteps of Christ. What many people don’t know is that the term “Christian” never appeared until its use in Antioch (recorded in the Book of Acts).

Originally, the followers of Jesus just referred to their faith and the Spirit’s leading as “The Way.”

When you allow the Holy Spirit to work in you, Christ will lead you in his “way” and the things he’s wired you for will become your story. I feel everyone on earth has this special life story to walk through. To follow His Way through an intimate relationship to see, feel and implement the tools and God-given gifts for your own heavenly derived story.

The world will try to tell you differently. Your insecurities, struggles, pain, guilt, shame, and failures all disqualify you, is what they’ll lead you to believe. But God’s gentle voice reminds you his Spirit is upon you. You’ll do great works to bring about his glory as he prompts you. But you must be sensitive enough to listen to that voice. His still, small voice will clear our minds and retrain us so we can live out the life of Jesus.

While you may never sing on stage, paint a masterpiece, or be an amazing athlete, God’s Spirit is on you and will lead you to do amazing things. Don’t buy into curated social media feeds which tell you you’re only successful with thousands of followers or a “like” next to every post.

Since God formed your story, I can guarantee his Spirit will lead you to do amazing things that—though they may go unnoticed—have significant worth on the Earth and in the life to come. Especially for those around you.

APPLICATION:

1. Where in your life do you believe you’re underqualified or that God couldn’t use you? If so, why?

2. How can you help others that are struggling (even if you are struggling)?

Get Jake Luhr’s new devotional, Mountains, here