WWJI: What Would Jesus…Instagram?

It got me thinking: what would Jesus do if he were me… on Instagram?

Like 70% of the population of the United States (and 63% of the world), I have social media accounts. I’ve been through seasons of accessing, using, and abusing them all—Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat—you name it. Some of the apps have been fun to use, others inherently stressful, and most have consumed my time unlike anything else in my life.

As someone who follows Jesus, I see countless times in the Bible (like here, here, and here) where I am called to be an imitator of God. What does that mean for modern digital outlets that Jesus didn’t have access to? Do I need to scrap anything in my life that doesn’t literally have the ability to imitate Jesus? No more seat warmers in my car? No more Instapots?! No more social media?

I don’t believe so. The apostle Paul says “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31) That’s good news for me, as someone who would like to keep warm when driving, cook rice in only 4 minutes, and stay on social media in a healthy way.

I think Jesus would like heated seats and fluffy rice, too—but would he get on board with something like Instagram? With all of the toxicity, judgment, and comparison that seemingly comes with it as a package deal? I’m not sure. But until I feel compelled to permanently delete my account, I’d like to spend my time on the app in a way that imitates Jesus.

By looking at the character and communication style of Jesus in the Gospels, I actually think it’s possible to imitate his love, care, and goodness on Instagram. Jesus never had an Instagram account, of course, but if he did, I’m sure it would look drastically different than what I find when caught in a scrolling session.

How Would Jesus Instagram?

1. NEVER IN A RUSH

I run a grassroots nonprofit. Social media is vital for us to get our name and mission out into the community. That being said, there is a lot vying for people’s attention every time they log onto social media. Coming up with the right content to post, at the right time, to drive the most engagement—it’s honestly exhausting and anxiety-inducing. Isn’t there a better way?

Jesus had a mission too, but he never seemed stressed about it. He didn’t “work the algorithms” or even try to get everyone’s attention. To me, it looks like he trusted God in the task laid before him, and therefore was never anxious to create content or be in a hurry to make things happen. In fact, there were often times he would walk away from large opportunities to share and spread his platform.

When the people saw the sign that he had done, they said, “This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!” Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself.” (John 6:14-15)

Jesus didn’t seem caught up in the rat race for others’ attention. He didn’t stress himself out trying to “capitalize” on every content-worthy moment. Does that mean I need to stop being strategic with my marketing? I don’t think so—but I can control my mindset. I don’t have to let myself worry and ache over every like, comment, or engagement. Like Jesus, I can spread my message without stress… and then go spend some time away from a screen, outside, in the real world.

2. ALWAYS PRESENT

Aside from my nonprofit, I have a personal Instagram account. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for me to catch myself doom-scrolling until my eyes glaze over. Sometimes, several times a day. Even worse are the times when I’m hanging out with friends, and the slightest moment of boredom settles in. In those few seconds when dialogue is paused, I find myself checking my Instagram or email to see if I got that important memo or if I missed out on anything. When I look up from my phone, I realize I’ve actually been missing out on the conversation and connection that’s happening right in front of me!

How would I feel if Jesus did this in front of me? Thankfully, in the Bible, we don’t see that. Instead, we see him doing the opposite. Jesus desired relationships and to experience life with people. He was always present with those around him, no matter who they were. (Seriously, can you imagine Jesus scrolling on Pinterest while you’re trying to tell him about your day? I can’t.)

Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:38-42)

3. KEEP SOME THINGS TO YOURSELF

Jesus didn’t share everything with the crowds. He kept some content only for those close to him. Jesus had a large group of committed followers (men and women), as well as his 12 disciples. When his disciples had questions, or he wanted to explain a teaching in more depth, he didn’t necessarily share with everyone. Instead, he focused on those closest to him. This sort of thing happened often after Jesus taught parables in public. A great example can be found in Matthew 13:

“Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples came to him, saying, ‘Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.’” (Matthew 13:36)

Part of bringing the Kingdom of Heaven to Earth involved Jesus teaching and training his close friends so that they would be equipped to spread the gospel after he was gone. Not everyone was invited into this inner circle. In the same way, I know I don’t need to share every aspect of my life with those who follow me on social media. To grow in relationships with those closest to me, some information needs to be saved just for them.

4. I WOKE UP LIKE THIS

With my Instagram account, people see the nice, filtered pictures I choose to post. They can read the edited (and re-edited) description and the catchy hashtags. They can see what I share on my Instagram stories—but even those will disappear from the public in 24 hours—meaning even my most in-the-moment and unplanned posts will soon be forgotten.

While I don’t want to post every juicy detail of my life, I believe there is a way to be authentic on Instagram. It starts with me asking myself the right questions about my intentions. Am I sharing something just because it makes me feel better about myself? Am I spending minutes (okay, hours) setting the right filter or editing and re-editing the caption to make it seem like my life is more put together?

Jesus kept some things for just his close friends, but even when he was in the public eye, he was authentic. He was vulnerable. He was real. He got mad, cried, and admitted when he needed help. That doesn’t mean I need to overshare or post a video of myself in tears in the name of authenticity—but I think it does mean that I can relax. I don’t have to fine-tooth comb every post. Every photograph doesn’t have to be award-winning. Every caption doesn’t have to be a Shakespearean sonnet.

All that really matters is, does this post love others? Does it point to God’s kingdom? Will it bring others joy? Or am I pressing the share button just to puff myself up?

Jesus doesn’t want the filtered me either. He wants the good, the bad, and the ugly. Sometimes, social media makes that hard to remember. Even in our technologically advanced age, authenticity is still the ticket to connection, relationships, and depth.

5. WHATEVER I EAT, WHATEVER I DRINK, WHATEVER I POST

I recently began to challenge myself on my social media usage. For me, I have noticed that when my social media screen time is down, I feel less anxious. I have also started to intentionally fill that time talking to God more and reading the Bible. I’m starting in small increments, step by step. It can feel small, but I believe I have experienced more peace since making that choice. I, for sure, feel more joyful.

Would Jesus have an Instagram account? I’m not sure. But what I do know is the next time I engage with Instagram—or any social media platform, for that matter—I’m going to take a moment to pause and let Jesus into the app first. I’m going to ask myself “What would Jesus do if he were me?” What would he post? What would he share? What would he like?

To help me keep that front of mind, I’m keeping this prayer handy. It’s take from a larger prayer for engaging digital media, taken from the modern prayer book Every Moment Holy.

“May the stories I partake of, and the ways in which I engage with them, make me in the end a more empathetic Christ-bearer, more compassionate, more aware of my own brokenness and need for grace, better able to understand the hopes and fears and failings of my fellow humans, so that I may more authentically live and learn and love among them unto the end that all of our many stories might be more beautifully woven into your own greater story. Amen.”

I believe Jesus had the most purposeful, joyful, and abundant life possible. The more I model my life after His, the more I’ll find that same kind of purpose, joy, and abundance—at home, at work, with friends, at my nonprofit, and, yes, even when I’m scrolling.

Disclaimer: This article is 100% human-generated.

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