Stop Chasing Influencers, Start Chasing Jesus

Too often, we follow the people who led us to Christ more than we follow Christ Himself.

Whether you came to know God through the teachings of someone like Andy Stanley, Joyce Meyer, or another well-known pastor, speaker, or author — that’s a gift. God can use people to plant seeds and guide us toward Him. But those people are not our Savior. They are not the source of our salvation. They are not the Bible.

I’ve been inspired by many amazing men and women who boldly preach the Word on television, social media, and stages across the globe. But as much as I appreciate their passion and teaching, they are human. They are flawed. They will stumble. And if we place our faith in them more than in Jesus, we will stumble too.

Also, follow the money. Many public Christian figures earn a living — sometimes a very large one — from books, speaking engagements, and media. That doesn’t automatically make them wrong or untrustworthy, but it’s a reminder: they are only human, with human motives and limitations. Don’t get caught up in a person. Keep your focus on Jesus.

“It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.”— Psalm 118:8

Following Jesus means building a relationship with Him — not through someone else, but directly through His Word.

So today, I challenge my friends and family:Stop just following people and start following Jesus.

Pick up your Bible. Start in the book of Matthew. Read about Jesus — who He is, how He loves, how He lives, and what He taught. Read the Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Then read Acts to understand how the early Church was born, and how the Holy Spirit empowered the disciples to live boldly for Christ.

“These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.”— John 5:39-40

Read it again and again. Let it soak into your heart. Let Jesus speak to you through His Word. Let the Word come alive.

“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”— Romans 10:17

The Old Testament is powerful and important — it gives us the full picture of God's nature, His faithfulness, and the lessons of human history. But the Christian journey truly begins with Jesus’ ministry. That’s where we see God’s love fully revealed through His Son. That’s where our walk as believers takes shape.

“In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets... but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son...”— Hebrews 1:1-2

You don’t need a social media influencer to interpret that for you. You don’t need a podcast or a famous speaker. You need the Bible, the Holy Spirit, and a heart that is willing to learn and grow.

“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit... will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”— John 14:26

We were never meant to idolize people. We were made to worship God.

“You shall have no other gods before me.”— Exodus 20:3

No matter who first pointed you toward Jesus, your faith will only be as strong as your personal walk with Him. Public figures, pastors, and Christian authors may encourage you, but only the living Word of God will sustain you.

Stop chasing influencers. Start chasing Jesus.