Why the Idol of Platform Never Satisfies
How many people have to notice you before you feel like you matter? Most of us would never say we’re chasing status, yet we check the numbers, we notice who gets noticed, and we feel it when we don’t. That subtle pull is the idol of platform, and it shows up in far more places than social media.
If you’d rather listen than read, this message is also up on the Lead Biblically Podcast and on YouTube.
The Idol of Platform Shows Up Everywhere
A platform can be a following, a title, a business, a reputation around town or even a pulpit. I see it in tradespeople, professionals, and politicians, and in pastors who watch the congregation attendance a little too closely.
Paul knew this pull. Before he met Jesus, he was Saul, a Pharisee with real status, and he walked away from all of it.
“For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ” (Galatians 1:10, ESV).
Paul’s words carry a sarcastic edge, likely aimed at church leaders, but they’re good for us to reflect on. At some point we choose between impressing the crowd and following Jesus. Like all forms of idolatry, they creep into our identity, security, and sense of belonging.
God Gives Platforms and Uses Them
That being said, platforms in and of themselves aren’t evil. Moses led millions of people he never thought he could lead. David was the least likely in his family, yet became Israel’s greatest king. And Paul would be given a new platform as one of the greatest missionaries and church planters of the First Century.
Moving forward in Christian history, we have Spurgeon’s sermons, which have reached millions of readers even today, long after he passed on. Billy Graham preached the gospel to millions of people in more than 185 countries over his lifetime.
God also platforms ordinary people in the marketplace. William Wilberforce used a seat in Parliament to fight the slave trade. Florence Nightingale used a hospital ward to save countless lives. Their platforms reflected the light of Jesus in action as much as their professions of faith.
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16, ESV).
How the Idol of Platform Creeps In
It rarely announces itself. It slips into the three places we can search out for ourselves.
- Identity: When your mood follows the numbers, your secret accomplishments feel worthless, and you feel jealous when someone else gets the praise.
- Security: When a dip in your stats feels like an emergency, you soften your convictions to protect your reputation, and you can’t sleep until you’ve checked the numbers one last time.
- Belonging: When you feel lonely when attention isn’t on you, you enjoy followers more than friends, and nobody ever sees the unedited version of you.
Jesus himself faced the temptation of platform in the wilderness. The devil showed him every kingdom of the world and said, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me” (Matthew 4:9, ESV).
Jesus refused, saying, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve'” (Matthew 4:10, ESV).
Three Questions to Ask About Your Platform
Whatever your platform looks like, start here:
- Why do the people in your life follow you? Are they drawn in by your title, your results, or your image?
- What would they say you represent?
- Who would they say you follow?
You can trade in the chase today and ask Jesus to become the foundation of your life.
Join the Conversation; Answer This Question
- How have you struggled with the approval of others, in the past or in your current role?
