Christian Showmanship and the Pressure to Perform

This post is all about showmanship and the pressure to perform

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been working on a blog post about discernment. This topic has so many layers…pray that I have discernment (pun alert!) as I write it. LOL.

Ok, getting to my point…

Now, as I’ve been reading scripture and pondering on the topic of discernment- this has been coming up a lot in my spirit- “showmanship” and the pressure to perform. I’ve been asking myself about how many Christians give in to the pressure to perform that they deviate from the original purpose that God intended for their lives.

This blog post will literally be a reflection blog post as I pour out what has been on my mind and in my spirit over the past few weeks. It’s 100% raw and honest.

Get yourself a cup of tea or coffee. This will be a chit-chat-style conversation/read.

Ready? Let’s go!

What is a Christian influencer?

I’ve never thought of myself as an influencer until I read the Merriam webster definition that states, “one who exerts influence: a person who inspires or guides the actions of others.”

So to my blogger friends, as strange as it sounds, you are an influencer too. It doesn’t matter the number of followers or readers that you have. You are using your platform to share the gospel and promote Christian values. Other various aspects of social media, including vlogging and podcasting, are included in this influencer stratosphere.

While specific responsibilities will vary depending on our audiences and platforms, we generally have a responsibility to share the good news of Jesus Christ and to promote biblical values. In doing so, we can help to build up the body of Christ and advance the kingdom of God.

The Early Church and its influence

We can see how early Christians executed the mandate to spread the gospel through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

The early church went out into the streets and preached to the masses. Some went on as missionaries who went to far-flung corners of the world to share the gospel with people who had never heard of Jesus.

In as much as social media wasn’t there at that time, you can see the ingenuity of it all. Everyone was, in a way, using their giftings to spread the gospel. We know of Lydia, a business lady, a seller of purple yet hosted traveling missionaries in her home (see Acts 16:14). We also know of Priscilla and Aquila who were tentmakers (see Acts 18:2–3).

Everyone used their gifts and found their purpose. They executed their calling through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Although our Early Church brothers and sisters lived in a completely different time, our mandate remains the same- to ensure that people hear about the gospel and that it has a real impact on their lives. It’s about being a light in the darkness and a beacon of hope in a world that is often filled with darkness and despair.

Saul and the pressure to perform

When Saul was anointed king over Israel, he was just a young man. And like many young people, he felt the pressure to perform. He had to live up to the expectations of those who had chosen him.

So when the time came for him to lead his people into battle, he didn’t want to wait for the prophet Samuel. He wanted to take action and show everyone that he was capable of leading them, and that he had the Lord’s favor. Saul went ahead and offered up the burnt offering (See 1 Samuel 13:12).

But in doing so, Saul made a critical mistake. He didn’t wait for God’s guidance. He didn’t discern what was the right thing to do. And as a result, his actions led to disaster.

This story teaches us an important lesson about showmanship and performance pressure. Just because we’re capable of doing something doesn’t mean we should do it. We need to be discerning about when to take action and when to wait for God’s guidance. Otherwise, we may end up making mistakes that have serious consequences.

The role of pressure in the life of a Christian influencer

As a Christian influencer, you will inevitably face pressure from many different sources. There may be pressure to conform to certain standards of behavior or to avoid saying anything that could potentially offend someone. There may be pressure to always appear perfect and put-together, even when you’re feeling anything but. And there may be pressure to maintain a large following and keep your fans engaged.

Well, I’ve noticed that certain topics garner a lot of attention in the Christian YouTuber space. Certain topics can cause one to become an “overnight sensation.” The algorithm really loves these kinds. However, that’s where one truly goes wrong.

Can I say one of my pet peeves and, honestly, a truly unpopular opinion? (This is me being raw) … I’ve noticed that many YouTubers churn daily content with the title, “God says….”. Like this content is released DAILY, there is no backing to Christ or the word of God. Some of the topics I’ve seen are like, “God says you are getting married today.” And “God says you are getting a car today.” “God says this is the month you will enter your destiny”…how can one prophecy apply to all your viewers? What makes these channels different from those tarot channels on YouTube? Sorry…I told you I’m being raw on this one. 🥴Might delete.

Quick caveat… I grew up in a Pentecostal church, and I believe in prophecy. I also believe so many prophetic voices in the Christian community. ❤️ You can tell that they have giftings, anointing, and reverence for God and His word.

However, I believe that sometimes based on the search volume and demand for this kind of content; newer people entering the scene are now veering into uncharted waters. Hence the showmanship. People start to deviate from their true calling. It’s not about Christ or our true purpose… it’s about growth, numbers, and wealth.

No, no, no… we are to seek the kingdom first. Kingdom first always. Let the other stuff be added later once God deems fit.

Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

How to deal with pressure as a Christian influencer

Being a Christian influencer can be both rewarding and challenging. On the one hand, you have the opportunity to share your faith with a wide audience and make a positive impact in the world. On the other hand, you may feel pressure to conform to certain standards or expectations.

During this journey, we will ALL make mistakes. (I’ve made many on my end already). But it’s up to us to be diligent in recalibrating ourselves to what our true and authentic purpose was and has been.

Here are a few tips that I personally implement regarding the pressures of being a Christian influencer:

1. Incorporate a lifestyle of prayer and fasting so that you remain sensitive to the Spirit of God.
2. Maintain your own private and personal relationship with God. Not everything is supposed to be shared on your platforms. Personally, I’ve found that God sometimes tells me to table specific lessons and teachings for a future date.
3. Remember that your success is not your own doing. Give glory to God for the platform and influence He has given you.
4. Stay grounded in your faith. Don’t let the trappings of success or popularity compromise your beliefs or values.
5. Remember that you are just a vessel for God’s love and grace. Serve others with humility and respect.
6. Give thanks. Be grateful for the opportunities and blessings God has given you. Use your influence to give back and help others.
7. Remember that you don’t have to please everyone – focus on staying true to yourself and your convictions.
8. Take time for yourself now and then – even just a few minutes alone can help you recharge and refocus.
9. Lean on your faith – remember that God is with you and will give you the strength to handle whatever comes your way.
10. Remember that your journey (growth, success) may look different from others, which is ok.

And that’s its folks, showmanship and the pressure to perform

Resisting these pressures isn’t easy, but it can be gratifying if one remains authentic to the predestined purpose they were called to do.

I think this post I wrote on shortcuts fits seamlessly with this one. Check it out if you’re interested.

Sending hearts and hugs your way!

xoxo