If you had interviewed me when I was a High School senior and asked who the influencers were in my life, I would probably have answered, “my English teacher Mr. Martin (he was so smart, well read and cute too!), Benjamin Franklin (been an interest for a long time) and any number of British Boy Bands (we had just moved to England).”

Noticeably, these were either people I knew personally, read about them in a book or heard their “stuff” on the radio or TV. I had very limited access to them or what they “stood for.” Sure, my friends and I discussed our music choices ad nauseum, but we had very little real information.

Have that same interview today and that High School senior will be able to go on and on. The internet and social media have exploded the opportunities “to be in the know.”

I am told that there are over 5 billion social media users in a world of almost 8 billion people. Just in the category of “lifestyle,” there are over 1500 niche categories to explore. Those kinds of statistics means that there are thousands of INFLUENCERS impacting our lives every single day.

Interestingly, Rolling Stones called INFLUENCERS “new age missionaries.” And that’s what they really are. They have a motive (often to acquire fame and fortune). They have a means (all you need is a laptop). And they have a “message” (anything that draws attention to themselves).

And for the most part, you and I “lap it up.” We are entertained, sometimes informed but rarely given some aspect of wisdom. Yet, we keep coming back.

Maybe this week is a great opportunity to do some self-reflection. How much time are we giving to INFLUENCERS? Compare that with how much time we are in the Word seeking input from Jesus?

How many of those INFLUENCERS are helping us to be countercultural (as we are told to be in Rom. 12:2 “Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”)?

Are those INFLUENCERS urging us to be more connected in meaningful relationships? Does their message help us connect with a good church? A vibrant small group? Enjoy a discipleship relationship with a good mentor?

Might be time to shift back to my interest in Ben Franklin…