CONTENT CREATORS

DATE: WEDNESDAY JULY 14TH, 2025

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE & PASTOR (MRS) FOLU ADEBOYE

MEMORISE: “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)

BIBLE READING: Matthew 23:5-7

5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,

6 And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,

7 And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.

The Digital Stage and the Motive of the Heart

In this rapidly evolving digital age, it has become abundantly clear that the landscape of influence has dramatically shifted. My dear children, I have observed that, nowadays, almost every young person harbours an aspiration to be a “content creator” on social media. This phenomenon is not limited to secular circles; Christians, too, are actively engaging in this space, using various platforms to share messages, devotions, sermons, and aspects of their faith journey. While the potential for spreading the gospel and building community through these platforms is immense and truly a blessing, we must pause and ask a critical question, one that resonates deeply with timeless biblical truths: What is the true motive behind our actions?

The very concept of a “content creator” implies a deliberate act of crafting and presenting something for public consumption. This act, in itself, is neither inherently good nor bad. Its moral and spiritual value is entirely determined by the heart and intention of the creator. This brings us face-to-face with a profound lesson from the very words of our Lord Jesus Christ, as recorded in Matthew 23.

The Peril of Hypocrisy: A Timeless Warning

In Matthew 23:5-7, Jesus issues a scathing rebuke to the Pharisees and Sadducees, denouncing their hypocrisy in no uncertain terms: “But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.”

These were the religious elite of their day, the spiritual influencers and “content creators” of their time. They were the ones who advocated deep religious principles such as fasting, holiness, giving, and dedication, and they compelled others to obey these principles. Yet, tragically, they did not live by those very principles themselves. They would pray so loudly and ostentatiously in public, for instance, not out of genuine devotion, but to be admired by others. Their hearts, Jesus revealed, did not genuinely love God or people; they loved the praise of men more.

People like the Pharisees and Sadducees can truly be referred to as content creators with wrong motives because they meticulously crafted an image, a public persona, that was diametrically opposed to their true inner state. They showed people that they were what they were not. Their “content”—their prayers, their outward displays of piety, their religious garments—was designed not to glorify God, but to gain human applause, recognition, and power. This kind of outward display, devoid of inner reality, is the very essence of hypocrisy. It’s a spiritual masquerade, an attempt to deceive both man and, futilely, God Himself.

The All-Seeing Eye: God’s Scrutiny of Motives

Our God is not impressed by outward show alone. He looks beyond the façade, past the polished words and impressive deeds, directly into the motives of the heart. As it is written in 1 Samuel 16:7, “for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.”

This divine perspective serves as a crucial mirror for every aspiring Christian content creator, indeed, for every Christian in every sphere of life. My dear child, before you engage in anything you do, especially in public platforms, I implore you to check your motives. This is not a casual suggestion; it is a spiritual imperative.

Do you strive for a large following, for the coveted “influencer” status, for likes, shares, and comments that validate your perceived spiritual authority? Do you carefully curate your online persona to appear more devout, more spiritual, or more knowledgeable than you truly are in your private moments with God? If your primary aim is to put on an appearance before men that suggests you are a child of God, when in reality you are only putting on an act to gain followers and influence, then you are treading a very dangerous path – the path of the Pharisees.

The Standard: Doing All to the Glory of God

Our memorized scripture from 1 Corinthians 10:31 provides the uncompromising standard for all our actions, whether public or private, digital or physical: “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” This verse leaves no room for ambiguity. Every single aspect of our lives, from the mundane to the magnificent, must be filtered through the lens of God’s glory.

This means:

• Authenticity: Our online presence, our “content,” must be a genuine overflow of our true walk with God, not a fabricated image. What we portray to the world should be consistent with who we are when no one is watching.
• Humility: If our content creation leads to pride, to a desire for personal exaltation, or to viewing ourselves as superior to others, then our motives are misguided. True service for God is characterized by humility.
• Edification, Not Self-Aggrandizement: The purpose of sharing Christian content should always be to build up the body of Christ, to lead others closer to God, to proclaim His truth, and to share the good news of salvation – not to build up our own platforms or reputations.
• Dependence on God: When our motive is truly God’s glory, we will depend on His anointing and His power to make our content effective, rather than relying on human strategies, worldly trends, or manipulative tactics.
• Truthfulness: The desire to gain followers can sometimes lead to the temptation to sensationalize, exaggerate, or even distort truth. A heart genuinely committed to God’s glory will always prioritize truth above popularity.

The Call to Repentance and Redirection

If, as you reflect, you find yourself guilty of living in hypocrisy, of prioritizing human applause over divine approval, or of creating “content” with wrong motives, then my dear child, please repent today. Repentance is not merely feeling sorry for your actions; it is a fundamental change of mind that leads to a change of heart and direction.

How does one repent from hypocrisy?

Acknowledge and Confess: Humbly admit before God that your motives have been impure, that you have sought the glory of man rather than the glory of God. Confess any specific instances where your outward acts contradicted your inner reality.

Seek God’s Forgiveness: Receive His boundless grace and forgiveness through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ. He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins when we confess them (1 John 1:9).

Ask God to Redirect Your Heart and Motives: This is a crucial step. It’s not enough to stop doing wrong; we must actively ask God to cleanse our intentions and align our desires with His. Pray like David in Psalm 51:10, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Ask Him to show you where your heart is drifting and to recalibrate it towards Him.

Embrace Private Piety: Prioritize your secret walk with God. Let your prayer life, your Bible study, and your worship in private be more vibrant and authentic than any public display. It is in the secret place that true spiritual strength and genuine character are forged. When our secret life with God is robust, our public life will naturally flow from that authentic connection, free from the need to impress.

Seek Accountability: Share your struggles with a trusted spiritual mentor or friend who can pray with you and help you maintain authenticity.

Redefine Success: Shift your definition of “success” from numbers of followers or public recognition to divine approval and the genuine impact of God’s Spirit through your life, regardless of who sees it.

The Weight of Our Influence: A Call to Responsibility

In an era where everyone can be a “broadcaster,” the call to responsible stewardship of our influence is more critical than ever. Whether we have 10 followers or 10 million, our words and actions, especially as Christians, carry weight. We are called to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16), not performers.

Consider the potential impact of a hypocritical “content creator”:

Dishonoring God: This is the most grievous consequence. When we misrepresent God by living in hypocrisy, we bring shame to His name.

Stumbling Blocks to Others: New believers or seekers watching a hypocritical Christian online may become disillusioned with faith altogether, thinking that Christianity is just a show. This creates a barrier to salvation.

Spiritual Emptiness: The hypocrite, though praised by men, experiences no true joy, peace, or intimacy with God. Their spiritual life becomes a barren wasteland.

Fueling Worldly Cynicism: The world is quick to point out hypocrisy in the church. Our lack of authenticity feeds their cynicism and hardens their hearts against the gospel.

Conversely, a Christian content creator (or simply a Christian living life) with pure motives, genuinely seeking to glorify God, can have an incredible impact:

Drawing Souls to Christ: Authentic love and truth attract people to the light of the gospel.

Building Up Believers: Genuine content, born from a pure heart, ministers grace and truth to fellow Christians, encouraging and equipping them.

Glorifying God: This is the ultimate purpose. When our lives and our platforms truly reflect God’s character and power, He alone receives the glory.

The Greater Purpose of Our Lives

Beyond the temporary allure of being an “influencer” on social media, there is a greater, eternal purpose for our lives. We are called to be imitators of Christ (Ephesians 5:1), to be His ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20), and to live lives that genuinely reflect His character. This calling transcends platforms, trends, or fleeting fame. It is about a consistent, integrated life where our private walk with God validates our public testimony.

The Pharisees were masters of outward show, but Jesus exposed their inward corruption. They loved the “uppermost rooms at feasts,” the “chief seats in the synagogues,” and sought “greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.” They craved recognition, status, and titles. This desire for human affirmation is a subtle but potent trap for anyone in ministry or influence, especially in the digital sphere where validation is often measured by metrics.

True discipleship is not about accumulating followers for ourselves, but about making disciples for Christ. It’s not about building our own brand, but about building God’s Kingdom. It’s not about gaining earthly influence, but about exercising heavenly authority for God’s purposes.

A Final Reflection and Call to Action

The question for our reflection today is poignant and personal: “What is the motive behind everything you do?” This is a question we must continually ask ourselves, for our hearts are deceitful (Jeremiah 17:9), and subtle impurities can creep in unnoticed.

Take a moment, right now, to sincerely ask yourself:

• Why am I pursuing this social media presence?
• Why do I desire to be seen or heard by others?
• Am I truly seeking to honor God, or is there a subtle craving for personal validation or worldly gain?
• Is my private life with God as fervent and authentic as my public presentation?

The answers to these questions will reveal the true state of your heart. If you find areas where your motives are not pure, do not despair! This is an opportunity for a deeper encounter with God’s grace. He is willing to cleanse, redirect, and empower you to live a life that truly glorifies Him.

Let us strive to be Christians whose lives are consistent, whose motives are pure, and whose every action, whether online or offline, big or small, truly brings glory to our Heavenly Father. May we be lights that shine brightly, not for our own visibility, but to draw all men to the glorious light of Jesus Christ.

PRAYER:

Dear Lord, I humble myself before You today. You see my heart and all my intentions. I ask You to search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting (Psalm 139:23-24). Forgive me for any time I have sought my own glory or the praise of men above Yours. Redirect my heart and my motives completely to You. Help me, by the power of Your Holy Spirit, to do all that I do – whether I eat or drink, or whatsoever I do – to Your glory alone. May my life, both seen and unseen, be a true reflection of Your Son, Jesus Christ, in whose name I pray. Amen.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 Chronicles 22:1-23:32 Romans 3:9-31

HYMN 63 – O FOR A THOUSAND TONGUES TO SING

1 O for a thousand tongues to sing

My great Redeemer’s praise,

The glories of my God and King,

The triumphs of his grace!

2 My gracious Master and my God,

Assist me to proclaim,

To spread thro’ all the earth abroad

The honours of your name.

3 Jesus! the name that charms our fears,

that bids our sorrows cease,

‘Tis music in the sinner’s ears,

‘Tis life and health and peace.

4 He breaks the power of cancelled sin,

He sets the prisoner free;

His blood can make the foulest clean;

His blood availed for me.

5 Hear Him, ye deaf, His praise, ye dumb,

Your loosened tongues employ

Ye blind behold your Saviour Come;

And leap, ye lame, for joy.