As I Was Saying is a forum for a variety of perspectives to foster faith-related conversations among our readers with the goal of mutual learning, even in disagreement. Apart from articles written by editorial staff, these perspectives do not necessarily reflect the views of The Banner.
Jesus says to take the lowest seat, but our culture—sometimes even Christian culture—says something different. On a podcast I love, author Carl Trueman introduced me to the term “Gig Eva,” short for “Gig Evangelicalism.” This term reflects a trend in our digital age to “follow” certain voices or public figures, not necessarily because they are wise, but because they’re noisy.
Somehow in the past century, we’ve drifted from attending church and listening to our local pastor to following pseudo-celebrity speakers on social media platforms. What is a Christian to do? The answer is to return to Scriptures.
Jesus himself told his disciples, “The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled and whoever humbles himself will be exalted” (Matt. 23:11-12). In contrast with our cultural messages, this makes me think of something we don’t say enough as Christians. We need to remember that it is okay to be humble. In fact, throughout the parables, the kingdom of God is often compared to small things: a little leaven in the flour, a forgotten coin in the corner of the room, or a tiny pearl, buried in a massive field (Matt. 13:33, Luke 15:8-10, Matt. 13:44).
In the digital age, it can be hard to simply rest in the promises of God. But Scripture reminds us to do it anyway. The call is not to cultivate a following. The call is to follow our Lord, even unto death, and share the good news with those who will hear it; even if that circle of influence is very small.
A temptation in “Gig Eva” is to put edgy ideas on the stage (or screen, more likely) and then wait for arguments to fill the comments. That impulse is not the way of the cross. The way of the cross looks like faithful obedience to God, not to the whims of Facebook algorithms. I’m encouraged by Jesus’ own words to his followers after performing miracles of healing. Numerous times he says to them, “Don’t tell anyone about this.” Was he trying to prevent the crowds from hearing the good news? Certainly not! He was trying to prevent a message of salvation from becoming a novelty act!
These recollections from Scripture can speak to us in our own circumstances as well. In the words of Abraham Kuyper, we all have our “spheres of sovereignty,” however small they seem. We tend to praise those who reach wide audiences, but let’s not forget what the Bible calls us to. We are to honor our mother and father, to love our neighbor as ourselves, and to “proclaim the gospel to those who are perishing” (1 Cor. 1:18). Last I checked, these were very humble and personal spaces.
Some of us might be called to speak to large crowds or stir up excitement or controversy online. But, for most of us, we live out the gospel in quiet classrooms, over simple meals, perhaps in cafes with our colleagues. We live this out in our prayers with those who are hungry for truth; at any age or capacity. In our daily lives, God continually calls us to something countercultural; the call to obscurity. God is big! But he might call you to something that seems downright insignificant. Our Lord knows us intimately and loves us deeply. May we praise him for the particular “spheres” he has given us to serve.
About the Author
Kendra Thompson is a wife, mother, writer, and administrative professional living in rural Iowa, where she and her husband are members of First Christian Reformed Church Sioux Center. You’ll find more of her writing at crylaughsnort.wordpress.com.