Why Do You Follow?

"Birds of a feather flock together," the cliche goes, and this saying has a ring of truth to it.  The birds in the trees, people with common interests, and even users of social media support this sentiment.  People using social media typically "follow" people they know, respect, or admire.  If someone begins to share or post views with which others do not agree or strongly oppose, they can "unfollow" or even "unfriend" that person.  Social media provides the illusion of friendship, and it is frankly difficult ground to navigate.  It can consume time with meaningless activity, yet when used properly can be a beneficial tool.  It can be an addictive obsession or a voyeurs delight, but also a means to connect lives of loved ones.  Knowing why we do something is often more insightful than what or how we do it.

As a follower of Jesus Christ, I am aware my beliefs, lifestyle, and stance on issues are contrary to the majority.  Should my "likes" of Bible verses or praise to God show up on the feeds of others, I am sure there are some who have "unfollowed" me.  I have "unfollowed" pages or others at times, having become weary of my news feed being spammed by those who enjoy one word status updates by the minute, vulgarities, those who chastise their children publicly, or those who resort to using Facebook as free advertising for business, seeing their "friends" as potential business targets - something I personally find distasteful.  Depending on what function Facebook or social media serves in your case, it will impact your decisions on who or why you follow others.

I recognise many people we connect with on social media are not as interested in our personal beliefs as they are in who we are to them and how we are doing.  Having moved internationally Facebook keeps me connected with family and friends all over the world.  Based upon the articles, memes, and thoughts shared or posted by others, a small window of insight is opened into how others think or feel.  Even this is not a clear view, for what we see is obscured by the fact we only are shown what they want us to see!  When someone has a view or belief which conflicts with your own, a view that you oppose strongly, what do you do?  Do you "unfollow" the person while remaining their friend?  Should we make a practice of this, we segregate our friends and followers into a little clique we are comfortable with.  Instead of challenging us, we can order everything to affirm our confirmation bias and we will not learn, grow, or progress as we could.  If someone says something we don't like and persists in their belief, we might be tempted to cut them off - and effectively cut ourselves off from redemptive opportunities to connect with them.  Granted, email or Facebook is not an ideal way to have a heart to heart conversation or iron out differences.  But staying connected demonstrates you care, and that gives your words a chance to minister to others.

It is challenging to keep loving those who hate you, and it is difficult to be bombarded with views contrary to scripture.  Remember, Jesus was hated before Christians were!  Jesus did not avoid those who disagreed with Him.  He went out into the world!  He didn't only reserve time or energy for people who agreed perfectly with Him.  Jesus stood His ground and spoke the truth, and it was the decision of others if they would follow Him or not.  For those who continue to only follow Jesus in our lives and beliefs, we can be led by the Spirit when it is good for us to be silent or to speak.  I am not saying to beat people with the Bible, write or post unkind and insensitive things, or try to start quarrels.  For me it is good for me to be challenged with unbelief, vitriol, scriptural ignorance, and emotionally-fueled hatred of people who do not know God so I might seek God's answer and pray for them.  I have learned a lot from people I do not agree with, and so can you.  If someone's divergent beliefs begins to sour our view of them, let me gently say we are not loving them as we should.  Love does not grow bitter, impatient, or frustrated with others, and keeps no record of wrongs.  Love rejoices in the truth, and is bold to speak the truth at the right time in the right way for the right reasons.

Who do you follow, and why do you follow them?  As you follow Jesus, are you following others for yourself or the glory of God?  1 Peter 2:17-24 reads, "Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king. ¹⁸ Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh. ¹⁹ For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. ²⁰ For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. ²¹ For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: ²² "Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth"; ²³ who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; ²⁴ who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness--by whose stripes you were healed."  If we speak the truth in love or do good and suffer, we are following in Christ's steps when we remain faithful.  Despite pitfalls and snares, the internet has opened up a world of opportunity God can redeem, a digital mission field where hearts can be won for Jesus Christ by His grace and power.  As we follow Jesus, let's introduce Him to others.