Need Followers? Be Careful for the TRAP!

Something didn’t feel right . . .

At one point in my writing career, I was told by a publisher that I needed a social media platform, and lots of followers. So there I was, writing in the hopes of gaining new fans . . . and they started following, and all was well. Or was it?

I had been writing ever since I was a little girl and never felt pressure to write a poem or to write in my journal. Yet there I was an adult, starting to feel pressure to write and gain followers. Each new follower made me smile, and encouraged me to write more. Then it happened. I fell into the trap! Something didn’t feel quite right. I noticed now and then that I was writing for people, rather than for God. Without beating around the bush, let me say, IMHO this is a form of idolatry. Without hesitation, I made an about-face, repented, and headed back in the right direction— writing for God’s glory alone!

God is my audience and inspiration. My prayer is that He would take my pen and channel His love and light through my words.

When we write for God, the amount of followers, “likes”, or comments isn’t as important as a thumbs up from God above. I’m not trying to diminish the importance of trying to gain followers, but I simply want to highlight the most important like or comment we could ever receive as writers — “Well done, my good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25:21).

If you’ve ever felt the pressure to write, or gain followers, may I offer these words of encouragement:

The ability to write well, form thoughts, be creative, communicate effectively, and so forth, comes from God. Like every other gift He gives, we are simply stewards. All we need to do is abide in the vine (Jesus Christ) daily, and offer up our talents to Him freely as we write, acknowledging Him with every word. The rest is up to Him.

So please don’t fall into Satan’s trap and write to please people. Be careful, Satan is crafty! He wants to sneak into our lives even under the guise of doing something “good” and get our eyes off our purpose in life— to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever. Seek God first in all you do, continue to work on improving your writing skills (God loves excellence!), take your time learning the in’s and out’s of blogging, and leave the rest to God. He is able to complete every good work He begins in us.

Learning to write on a blog is a loooong journey. At least it was for me, and I still have lots to learn. I recall the days I would spend hours writing and not even know how to use a tag, or categorize my posts, or use images . . . and I rarely got a like! But I was happy writing, and kept writing, learning, and dedicating my posts to God. Now years later, I’ve gained followers, and my posts get likes and comments now and then, which is all wonderful —Thank you dear friends! But ultimately, my greatest joy remains in knowing that I am writing for God alone.

So be encouraged, dear friends! Keep writing. Don’t let the number of likes or followers or comments discourage you. If God calls you to write, then write, and enjoy the journey. 

And just think, even if you only get one like, that one like is one life. Every life matters. Who knows, maybe you touched that person in a way no one else can, and set them on a path of healing and wholeness. I’ll never forget the blog post I wrote that got very few likes, and yet one reader messaged me and asked how to receive the Lord. She then dedicated her life to Christ. I was dancing for joy! See, you never know who you may touch through your words. Just be faithful and follow God’s lead as you write.

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. — Matthew 6:33

So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. — 1 Corinthians 10:31

Today, I no longer feel pressure to write. I absolutely love watching words unfold into a story or reflection. And I take my time watching that happen, no rush. I love blogging. I’m also the author of 8 books and working on my 9th book. Other than my back hurting from sitting at my desk long hours, I am happy and content knowing that I’m walking in God’s purpose for my life 😊

May you know how wide, how long, how high, and how deep God’s love is for you.

Leila xx

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