Unveiling the Greatest Influencer of All Time: A Closer Look

Image by Jeff Jacobs 1990 @ Pixabay

In your quest for better health and a more vibrant life, have you searched for answers and, in the process, become more confused than when you started? Have you tried every recommended program on the planet but still feel stuck? Are you overwhelmed with the amount of “health” information from all of the charismatic “influencers” and don’t know really what to believe or who to follow?

Join the crowd!

Recently, I had a conversation with a woman who told me how overwhelmed she felt with all the health-related information there is. She was desperate to feel better. She had tried this supplement and that, followed multiple diet plans, been to numerous doctors with no change in her health (and in some instances, worsened health), and spent thousands of dollars on different programs that guaranteed her she would feel better, but she didn’t. Every time she opened her computer, there was another influencer pushing their product and trying to convince her that’s what would “fix” her. She kept taking the bait because she just wanted to feel better. At the same time, her frustration was rising, and the whole situation was stressing her out.

She ended with, “How do I know who to believe any more?”

In my health coaching, I hear these kinds of things all the time. People want to feel better. They are frustrated by the lack of progress and change in their symptoms. It’s so easy when you don’t feel well to believe what someone is telling you is the answer. Human nature is like that: we get so desperate, and, in our desperation, when we hear those tingling words that tickle our ears, hope springs alive again, and we go for it. Sometimes it works, but more often than not, we are left at the end feeling disappointed yet again.

And it’s only getting more confusing. The Bible speaks about how the amount of information in the end times will increase, and we are certainly seeing that. Why is that? One reason is simple: deception. Satan knows the time is growing short, and he is becoming more bold, self-assured, and prideful in his efforts to lure God’s children away from the Truth.

Satan’s downfall was that he wanted to be like God. He thought so much of himself that he attempted to place his throne above God’s. He’s still trying to do that today. A common enticement that runs through all of these advertisements and articles the influencers put out is this: have I got the solution for you!

It’s interesting to see how they do it.

Have you noticed in recent years how much advertising has changed? It used to be that you could read a straight-forward article about a product. Not anymore! It’s now story-telling. Long dissertations of their personal stories, hoping to connect with you on a deep level and for you to say…That’s me! I’ve experienced that, too!  They know if they can do that, they’ve got you hooked. You’ll read (or listen) for however long it takes to get to the end point, and by the time you do, you’ve bought into it, and taking out the bankcard is easy.

Unfortunately, that payout doesn’t always pay out. So, what is one to do? What, or who, can you really believe? What really is the truth when this “expert” says this and that “expert” says that?

The answer is easy: look to the source of ALL truth first.

Seek His wisdom. Train up your spirit so you can hear through all of the worldly rhetoric to discern what the truth is. Learn to follow Him first and foremost, for He was, and is, and ever will be the Greatest Influencer of all time.

Now don’t get me wrong or misinterpret what I’m saying. I’m not saying to not listen, read, or think. God did create us with eyes, ears, and a mind, after all! I’m not saying that their stories don’t hold value. I’m not saying that you shouldn’t try any of their products or programs. What I am saying is to seek God’s counsel and direction for your life and health first, for what is best for you to do (or not do) first, and then to be willing and obedient to follow His advice and direction.

There was a time in my life when I, too, followed after this and that, trying to find the answer to my fatigue, brain fog, and other issues. I heard the story, identified with the list of symptoms, and was filled anew with hope that “this” was “it”—even though the last 10 things didn’t produce and, in some instances, made me worse. My days were filled with searching for answers: reading articles, researching conflicting views, listening to podcast after podcast, and attending what I call “mega seminars,” filled with 10 or 20 experts, all sharing their opinions and solutions. I tried a lot of them. Some worked for a while and there was minor improvement.  Some I didn’t see any change.

I kept trying, never seeming to make any real significant headway. One day, as I sat on the couch crying and crying out to God, He said, very quietly, “Why is it that you are so quick to listen to what everyone else has to say and not to Me?” I was taken aback. He followed that up with: “And why are you so quick to believe what others say and not believe what I say?” Talk about understanding, realization, and insight happening at the same time as feeling the gentle rebuke and correction of the Lord! When you believe, you act on that belief because that belief is truth to you. Isn’t that so? It’s in these precious moments that we must decide who we will follow and who will have the greatest influence on our thoughts, decisions, and subsequent actions.

1 Corinthians 3:19 (CEV) says, “God considers the wisdom of this world to be foolish. It is just as the Scriptures say, ‘God catches the wise when they try to outsmart him.’”

No one knows you like God. No one knows what is going on with you like God, internally or externally. He made you. He created you. He knitted you together. He knows what’s wrong, and He has the solution. What is His solution? His Word. And when I say His Word, I mean two things: Jesus (who is the Word made flesh) and the written word of God, the Bible. And not the AI version, either.

There is no sickness, disease, or dysfunction that is going on with you that Jesus doesn’t know about or have experience with. After all, He took it all upon Himself at Calvary. He is an absolute expert on all subjects! God’s word is full of promises and direction for every circumstance we face and for healthy living. Unlike humans who “practice” medicine, God knows what is best from the beginning.

Here is just one of those promises: “The Lord says, ‘I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you’” (Psalm 32:8 NLT).

And from the NIV: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”

The CEV says, “I will point out the road that you should follow. I will be your teacher and watch over you.”

Those are some awesome truths about God’s faithfulness! Look again at what God promises if you follow Him.  He says He will:

Guide you

Advise you

Watch over you

Instruct you

Teach you

Counsel you

Trends, fads, and viewpoints all change with time. God’s word remains steady and constant, and has proven the test of time.

Instead of being a follower of the latest influencer on social media, choose today to be a follower of the Greatest Influencer of all and see your life changed!

If you are interested in learning more or need help in making and implementing lifestyle changes, contact me for a free discovery session to see if we are a fit.  You can learn more about me here.