Following Jesus in a Celebrity-Obsessed World is a challenge.

In our age of influencers and viral fame, the teaching of Jesus on humility is more relevant than ever. How can we navigate the pressures of social media while staying true to Christ’s example?

Jesus consistently shied away from celebrity status, warning his disciples and the Pharisees not to fall into this temptation. We hear it in his words and in his parables. We see it in his actions.

Years ago, I attended a seminar with over a hundred church leaders. The keynote speaker stood up and declared, ‘I see a sword floating over our heads, and the Lord is telling us to get low, stay low.’ This powerful image has stayed with me, serving as a constant reminder in our hyper-connected world.

With the rise of social platforms, the temptation to be seen and heard is stronger than ever. As a pastor and author, I grapple with this. How can we fulfil our calling while avoiding the pitfalls of self-promotion? We do it by living before an ‘Audience of One’—not basking in the light of a thousand ‘likes’ posted on our media page. How Jesus lived is the mindset that steers my boat and helps me navigate the challenges of ministry in the digital age:

Pray in private (Matthew 6:6)

Give discreetly (Matthew 6:3­­–4)

Serve others humbly (Mark 10:45)

While complete withdrawal from social media may not be feasible for many in ministry, we can still heed the Holy Spirit’s whisper to ‘get low, stay low.’ By fixing our gaze on Jesus and emulating his example before an ‘Audience of One,’ we can maintain spiritual equilibrium in a world consumed by the pursuit of visibility and influence. The challenge lies in getting low and staying low, rather than striving to reach the top. Let us fight to remain humble, yet steadfast in our devotion to God.