Over the last couple of years, I have taken up the hobby and side hustle of woodworking. I enjoy the process of taking raw, often deformed, wood and carving it. Gradually, it takes shape into something that people can use for a definite purpose. In many ways, it reminds me of the work God does in us: He takes those without purpose into His transforming hands. And, with perfect skill, the Master Carpenter shapes us into items fit for His use. It is remarkable.

Algorithms or Almighty God: Who Defines You?

Recently, I was reminded of one of the many dangers in the digital era. After listing a desk I made on Facebook, I was immediately blown away by the number of bots and fake accounts that engaged with the post. These accounts had every appearance of authenticity but really were bots seeking engagement or were under the control of someone seeking to scam me through that social platform. (Facebook removes 3.5- 4 BILLION bot/scam accounts annually.) I was reminded of an essential truth. It is a lesson that applies far more broadly than scams and challenges on social media platforms.

Many people base their entire view of themselves, their purpose, and their worth upon the perception of others. This is not new. Yet, in our day, this extends beyond what is perceived in human relations to digital platforms. Scroll by scroll, post by post, video by video, our hearts and minds begin to find sanctuary in the approval of voices behind the screen. More concisely: Many people allow social media algorithms to define them rather than our eternal God. How tragic!

Your worth rests in what God says, not what social media algorithms generate.

The Digital Age and Disciples of Christ

God’s children, living in the digital era, must both avoid the dangers that come with technology and social media and guard against the perception of others directing our steps and ordering our lives. We become enslaved to those we seek to please most. And in many cases, it may not even be real people. Imagine striving to maintain a perception about yourself that is not even built upon the opinion of real people, but rather machines. That is no way to live. That is not the victorious Christian life. “For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ” (Galatians 1:10). Do not enslave yourself to anyone but Christ (1 Corinthians 4:1-4; 6:19-20).

Algorithms or Almighty God? This is a battle for definition. Will others, culture, or your own heart define you? No. The Lord alone is the Creator, the Sustainer, and Redeemer (Colossians 1). He sets the terms. He defines what we are and shapes us into what we ought to be.

The Image of God, Not the Imagery of Machines 

God formed man in His own image. It is foolish for our perspective to be shaped by flawed creations instead of the Creator Himself. An all-wise God knit us in our mother’s womb – the same God who spoke this universe into existence. Yet, He loved us enough to die for our sins. He created us from the dust, yet invites us into His family through Christ. We are born with a sinful nature, yet, like a chunk of meaningless wood, He will make us a new creation, a new person in Christ (5 Corinthians 5:17). Then, in His mercy, He allows us to labor with Him on His eternal mission in this world. We can spend our vaporous lives for that eternal weight of glory! (See 2 Corinthians 4:15-18.)

Knowing this, it is for our hearts to be cast down by the approval of man (or machine). Rather, as the psalmist says, “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2). 

Transformation by the Savior, Not Affirmation by a Server

While I recognize the human longing for affirmation, we must seek it at the right Source. If our contentment, perspective, or worth is built upon the perception of others, like a tyrant with his subjects, it will be stripped away in a moment. Yet, when we rest upon the promises of God and allow our Creator to define and mold us, our heart can remain steadfast in a raging sea of doubt and confusion. The Creator knows best. Rest in Him today. Man’s great need is not affirmation of who we are but transformation into who God created us to be! Those who know Jesus are predestined “to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren” (Romans 8:29).

Our Lives in His Hands

That process begins now. We must present our “bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” No wonder we are then commanded to “be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:1-2). Like an old block of wood or lump of common clay, our God wants to transform us into a masterpiece of grace and power.

If no person (or bot) “likes” your next post, or if all of them consider you to be the greatest human in history, come back to God’s Word. Turn off the distractions and allow God to shape your view. As you come to Him and see Him in all His glory, your perspective will reset. He will renew your mind. Place yourself in the hands of the Master Builder today. Allow Him to fashion you according to His good pleasure. Let Almighty God not only define you, but transform you and use you.

*For more articles, resources, videos, and tools for your family on this issue, visit our Stewarding Technology page HERE.

About Micah Hendry

READ: 4 Things To “Be” If You Want To Be Used By God

4 Things To “Be” If You Want To Be Used By God