Click-Bait Christians

“But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.”
– Matthew 6:3 (NKJV)

Introduction:

In today’s social media-driven world, many people are attracted to attention-grabbing headlines, viral videos, and sensational stories. Unfortunately, this “click-bait culture” has infiltrated the Christian community, leading some to showcase their faith for personal gain rather than glorifying God. This devotional explores the dangers of a “Click-Bait Christian” lifestyle and the importance of genuine faith.

Key Point Summary:

Click-Bait Christians perform acts of faith mainly to attract attention or receive validation, rather than to glorify God. This behavior not only misrepresents genuine Christian values but also risks diminishing one’s spiritual growth.

Devotional Story:

In a bustling community, Darius was a figure of admiration. A devout Christian, he was often seen volunteering at shelters, immersing himself in prayer, and being a regular face at church events. His activities were not just confined to the physical world; they were extensively documented on social media. Each post was a testament to his faith and dedication. Yet, there was an underlying motive to Darius’s online presence. The number of likes, shares, and comments became a measure of his self-worth. Every notification was a rush, every viral post a badge of honor.

However, as time passed, Darius found himself more engrossed in the virtual validation than the actual act of service. His motivations began to blur. Was he helping others to genuinely make a difference, or was he doing it for the digital applause?

One evening, while scrolling through his feed filled with praises and compliments, Darius stumbled upon a verse from Matthew 6:19-20 (NKJV):

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.” Matthew 6:19-20 (NKJV)

The verse resonated deeply with Darius. He realized he had been accumulating treasures on earth – the fleeting validation of the online world. These ‘treasures’ were vulnerable, temporary, and did not truly reflect his commitment to God.

This revelation was a turning point for Darius. He began to introspect, questioning the intent behind every action. Was he serving to glorify God or to glorify himself? The journey wasn’t easy, and old habits took time to change. But with prayer and reflection, Darius started redirecting his focus from the ephemeral rewards of the digital realm to the eternal treasures of heaven.

In the end, Darius learned that genuine fulfillment didn’t come from the number of likes or shares but from selflessly serving God and his community. The true treasures, he realized, were the blessings and grace he received from above, which no amount of online validation could ever match.

Contextual Insight:

In the times of Jesus, public displays of hypocritical worship were common, especially among the Pharisees. Jesus critiqued this behavior, emphasizing the importance of a personal, sincere relationship with God over public displays meant to garner social standing.

“And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” Matthew 6:5-6 (NKJV)

Personal Reflection:

• Are you performing acts of faith to attract human praise or to glorify God?
• How can you ensure your actions reflect a genuine relationship with God?

Practical Application:

1. Before posting anything related to your faith online, pause and consider your motives.
2. Focus on in-person, authentic acts of kindness and service that don’t need to be broadcasted.
3. Spend time in prayer, asking God to reveal any areas of your life where you seek human approval over His.

Prayer:

Lord, help me to live a life that glorifies You, not myself. Guide me away from the temptation to seek human approval, and towards a pure and sincere faith. Amen.

Conclusion:

Being a Christian is about more than just looking good in the eyes of others. It’s about developing a sincere relationship with God and glorifying Him through our actions.

“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
– 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NKJV)

Further Reading:

• Matthew 6:1-6
• Galatians 1:10
• James 4:4-10

Faith Notes:

In our modern era, it’s easy to get swept up in the allure of digital validation. However, it’s essential to remember that our actions should be driven by genuine intent, not the desire for recognition. By focusing on serving God and the community selflessly, we can lay up treasures in heaven that are eternal and unshakable.

“For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
– 1 Corinthians 6:20 (NKJV)