When Jesus rose from the dead, He didn’t just defeat sin and death—He gave gifts to humanity. Scripture tells us in
Ephesians 4:11-12:
“And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.”
A pastor, also known as a shepherd, has a clear biblical mandate: to feed God’s people with His Word and help them grow spiritually, guiding them into a closer relationship with Jesus Christ. But here’s the question: Who are you allowing to pastor you?
In today’s world, the rise of social media has blurred the lines between true shepherds and counterfeit ones. Are you consuming proper spiritual food built on truth, or are you feeding on junk food that leaves you malnourished? Let’s dive in.
Beware of Christian Social Media “Influencers”
With the explosion of social media platforms, countless individuals have taken on the role of self-appointed spiritual leaders. They lure you in with sensational titles, clickbait, and flashy presentations. But here’s the harsh truth: many of these individuals are more concerned with clicks, likes, and shares than your spiritual well-being.
Jesus warned us about such individuals in John 10:10:
“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”
These social media influencers, though they may appear passionate and knowledgeable, often operate with one goal in mind: profit. They may speak with conviction, but their ultimate aim is to turn your attention into revenue. They shear the sheep (you) to pad their wallets, not to care for your soul.
The Mark of a True Pastor
A true pastor has a radically different motivation. According to Jeremiah 3:15:
“And I will give you shepherds according to My heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.”
True pastors are under-shepherds of Jesus Christ, the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4). They watch over your soul with deep responsibility, knowing they must give an account to Christ for how they lead you (Hebrews 13:17). Their teaching is rooted in sound doctrine, compassion, and truth—not conspiracy theories, gossip, or sensationalism.
Most importantly, a true pastor’s love for the flock is evident in their actions. As Jesus demonstrated in Matthew 9:36:
“But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.”
If compassion is absent, so is the Holy Spirit’s influence.
How to Discern the Truth
God doesn’t want you deceived or manipulated. He provides wisdom through His Word to help you distinguish between a true shepherd and a thief. Matthew 7:15-16 says:
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits.”
Ask yourself:
- Do their teachings align with Scripture?
- Do they lead you closer to Christ or distract you with drama and fear?
- Do they demonstrate compassion, humility, and a heart to serve?
If the answers are “no,” it’s time to reevaluate who you’re giving your attention to.
Take Action: Guard Your Spiritual Growth
You deserve to be fed with wisdom, knowledge, and understanding—not junk food that harms your spiritual health. To help you navigate this, I’ve created a guide that walks you through the Scriptures to discern whether someone on social media is a thief, a robber, or truly of God.
Remember, Jesus didn’t come to exploit or manipulate you. He came to give you abundant life (John 10:10). As His follower, you must be vigilant about who influences your walk with Him.
Closing Thoughts
God has already given you everything you need to grow spiritually, including shepherds after His heart. Don’t settle for counterfeits. Seek out leaders who teach the truth with compassion and integrity, and who reflect the heart of Jesus Christ.
Who you allow to pastor and influence you matters. Choose wisely.