If you are like me, and I know I am – then you get many emails that are considered “spam” (which is a food product, and why it is associated with calls and contacts that you don’t want, I am unsure. But that is another blog for another time) that clutters your inbox and your texts, and voice mail. These unwanted intrusions are from social media marketing being utilized by most companies, especially if you show an interest in their product or service. For example, I was looking for a new hair product to make my hair something that I’m sure it couldn’t be – and now I am flooded with a stream of hair product ads for men. I didn’t even know there were that many men who had hair enough to use all these products! But there they are, in my inbox and my random texts…
It started making me think of how often I waste time during the day by scrolling through my phone or looking up things. And I don’t feel I am really into social media that much. In fact, I’ve been told that I should step up my game, so that our church can get noticed and people can hear about us.
You know what I want? I want people to notice Northwood Church because it loves people genuinely, and that it shares the gospel of Jesus Christ and it’s saving power! Now that is the type of marketing I want!
But we do this – as humans don’t we. We seek affirmation from outside sources to make ourselves feel better about who we are, our decisions, and our lives. We may rationalize it, we may say that it is for the greater good, but overall, we just need affirmation because as humans we crave it.
Jesus consistently pushed against the idea that we need affirmation, approval, or validation from the world. Instead, He taught that our identity and worth come from God alone. And you may know this, but it’s hard to be in this space because it goes against the nature of what the world says.
In Matthew 6:1, Jesus warns: “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them.” Here He is talking about our motivation for living a righteous life. Why are we doing it? Is it to win souls, or is it to be patted on the back?
In John 5:44, Jesus says: “How can you believe since you accept glory from one another but do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?” Seeking approval from the world separates us from a relationship with Him.
And it’s all about feeling valued. Right? We want to be seen, heard, and approved of. These worldly traits are not how Jesus set this whole thing up. Because our worth should be anchored in God, not people.
Luke 12:6–7 tells us, “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. 7 Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
Jesus is saying: You are not overlooked. You are not random. You are not valued based on what others think or say. God knows you in detail and cares for you deeply—so you can live without fear.
Jesus didn’t just say we don’t need worldly affirmation—He taught that seeking it can pull us away from God. Instead, He calls us to live knowing we are seen and valued by God.
So, the next time you get a “spam” email, instead of it infuriating you, and then you have to delete it, take that time as you do, to remember how loved, seen, and affirmed you are by the Creator of the Universe!
This time sapper can become a picker upper!
Peace –
PTV