The Internet Influence
Prioritizing IRL Relationships
We recently looked at money and food in my ongoing series on influence. I originally began the series by talking about fitness influencers, and today I want to take a closer look at what it means to be influenced by those on the internet.
The internet allows us to connect with others, work together, and stay in touch. But it also allows us to be influenced by giving others access to our lives. This is evident in the attention economy, where our attention becomes the means by which others make money. Because our attention shapes our thoughts, desires, and actions, we should be intentional about who we allow to influence us.
Local Influence
Through the internet, we often give people influence over our time and thoughts even though they are not personally involved in our lives. I believe that local influence is the most important—people who can speak into our lives and also share life with us. This gives precedence to the local church, where we walk together in faith with those we see week after week.
While the internet can be a valuable tool for learning and staying connected, it should never replace the influence of faithful believers who know us personally, encourage us in Christ, and walk alongside us in the Christian life (Hebrews 10:24–25).
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Lives of Faith & Grace 7-Book Set
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For our Good and for his Glory
Christians believe that God is actively doing work in our lives. God does not sit back, relax, and just let the world go on without him. The Bible gets very specific about the ways God is at work in our lives.
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)
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Endnotes
Giveaway and review: In Becoming a Friendlier Church, Matthew D. Kim provides a pathway to genuine community. Kim tackles a problem that affects church attendance, membership, and witness—diagnosing problems and providing specific solutions.
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