What the Bible Can Teach us about Platform: Lessons from Gideon
Social Media Platform. It’s all the rage and becoming bigger as we speak. It’s based on someone’s popularity- via beliefs, fashion, celebrities, likes, and differences. For the unknown, some platforms lead to opportunities. BIG opportunities. But are they always purposeful? Are they given from God? As Michael Hyatt wrote in his infamous book, How to get noticed in a noisy world, It’s true-we want to get noticed and yes it’s definitely a noisy world than what it used to be. Everyone is vying for attention to reach their goal- whether it’s for personal gain or business ventures. Our attention span lasts for a moment and it appears that doing something big is the way to get noticed.
How do I grow my email list, how do I get people to follow me, how do I……?? And the list can go on. Many social media experts have developed free and monetized classes to help get you there…whatever there is for you.
As Believers, how do we navigate obedience, social media platforms, and our gifts/talents?
We’ve measured platform with numbers. We worry about what others think because our numbers are small. Publishing Houses take platform into huge consideration, specifically for nonfiction authors. High numbers may indicate their ability to sell. Low numbers? Well, keep trying to grow that platform. And I understand. The greater the number, the greater the popularity and then we begin to draw conclusions about the person behind the number. That’s just what we do. And please don’t get me wrong. There’s a bottom dollar on several ends that must be determined. We are saturated. We are Bombarded.
How do you find a spot on the beach when it’s so crowded?
Last time I checked my subscribers, the numbers were the same…. and I was disappointed. I was trying. I mean really trying. I was doing more than I was in years, trying new tactics. And I was frustrated. God, should I be doing this? Is this what I’m supposed to do? If He were to tell me to shut it down…not a problem.
But He wasn’t. And He didn’t.
I was to stay the course, but I also sensed He wanted me to change my perspective. Somewhere along the way, I started to buy Into the world’s definition of platform. I began to mix and define my success through their eyes and checklist. Finally, I poured out my frustration to the One who was waiting to pour Truth in- And He began with illuminating lessons from the story of Gideon. And it literally blew me away. I was encouraged, humbled, and found my footing….again. God used the story of Gideon to get me….and you, back on track.
Do you want to get noticed, do you want to be obedient, or do you want….BOTH?
There’s nothing wrong with wanting both. But, I want to challenge you to consider that desiring the latter can be your best outcome to get noticed.
Am I doing it for them or am I doing it for Him?
But what if God has a different plan for your story? One that will lead to the same outcome. Or, a better one. After all, He’s God!
Lessons from Gideon remind me what God has done for me in my life. And what He can do in yours.
- Your assignment is bigger than you! Gideon was called a hero before he completed the task given to Him (Judges 6:12, The angel of the Lord appeared to him and said, “Mighty hero, the Lord is with you). God knows who you’ll reach and influence before you will. Why? Because He’s God. God wants you to stay the course and utilize resources He’s given. Keeping in mind that your assignment was entrusted to you by God and He expects you to complete it.
- With God on our side, your gifts will make room for you. God is your standard. God is your platform. Until we know, that we know, that we know- it is only by God who causes you to connect with those He ordained. He opens doors and He provides…. Always. (Judges 6: 14 and 16, Then the Lord turned to him and said, “Go with the strength you have, and rescue Israel from the Midianites. I am sending you!”…..The Lord said to him, “I will be with you. And you will destroy the Midianites as if you were fighting against one man.”)
- God doesn’t count numbers, He makes numbers count! It’s interesting to note that God told Gideon the number of men to fight were too many! From 22,000 men to 300- Gideon’s army defeated the enemies (Judges 7:7, The Lord told Gideon, “With these 300 men I will rescue you and give you victory over the Midianites…) Too many? When God is the Author, when you’re in His will, and when His strength is behind you- nothing is too hard for Him. He will cause you to rise up no matter the odds! Numbers are good. But obedience is better. Numbers quantify, obedience qualifies.
Whether God has called you to reach a small number or many, there is only One that makes your platform really count. Yes, He’s the One. Do it for Him….ALWAYS.
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