A Prayer to Be an Authentic Christian in the World Full of Influencers
By Chelsey DeMatteis
Bible Reading
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." - Matthew 5:8
My parents came home from a dinner date and couldn't believe what they saw happening just one table behind them. Sadly, I wasn't surprised, but my heart was so broken for where we've found ourselves in the midst of a world full of "influencing."
A mom was sitting across the table from her daughter trying to get the perfect "selfie" shot. As she continued to take the photos of herself, the waiter kindly came up and asked if she'd like a picture of herself and her daughter. She looked at the waiter as if they had offended her and she reluctantly said "sure". Once the waiter walked away, the mother went back to taking selfies as she ignored her daughter sitting right across the table.
How did we get here? (And, I must be the first to say we've all been guilty of something like this. Maybe not to this extent, but we've all chosen the phone in our hands over the people God has so kindly placed in front of us.) We traded a world of choosing to love those right in front of us for a world that chooses to love oneself above all things.
As Christians, we all can agree we're held to a higher standard as we journey through life on earth, but we have to get honest with ourselves and ask the question, have we too started to want to put ourselves above others? Have we gotten caught up in the trap of wanting to "influence" people by boasting about our accomplishments, our children's accomplishments, and our possessions? Have we found more comfort in sharing about ourselves rather than asking how someone else is doing?
Once we answer these questions, I think we'll better know how to move forward and rightly in the way God would desire for us. Not one time in scripture do we ever find Jesus boasting about Himself or sharing news to make others feel less than. The posture of His heart was always pure, and that is one of the key character traits I want in my life.
I want a pure heart. One filled with pure intentions and seeing others the way Jesus sees them. Jesus teaches us how to live here in this world. We can find exactly how to live by spending time in Jesus' famous speech at the Sermon on the Mount.
"Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." - Matthew 5:1-12
Living in this world full of influencers and imposter syndrome can easily leave us feeling cynical and defeated. But, God calls us to more. He calls us, as His chosen children, to be lights in the world. To live rightly for Him and to share the gift of the gospel. We have the opportunity to be authentic in a world that elevates being ingenuine to get ahead or to make others feel less than. Today we have an opportunity to love people well, be authentic where God has us, and choose to be influenced by the saving grace of God.
Let's pray:
Lord, thank you for the gift of your Word and its ability to penetrate our hearts. Help me desire to be authentic in a world that elevates anything but that. Convict me when I'm choosing to put myself above others or am making choice that lead to others feeling left out. I pray for a pure heart, which leads to a life of pure intentions. I want to be marked by your love and your grace.
In Jesus' name, amen.
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/iiievgeniy
Chelsey is the voice behind the Living with Less Podcast and author of the 52-week devotional More of Him, Less of Me: Living a Christ-centered Life in a Me-centered World. She writes devotions for Lifeway Women's Journey Magazine, Crosswalk.com, and iBelieve.com. She also writes Bible reading plans for the YouVersion Bible App. Chelsey lives in Ohio with her husband and two children. You can connect with her on Instagram @chelseydematteis and at her website ChelseyDeMatteis.com.
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