You Can't Serve God and the Algorithm: A Wake-Up Call for Christian Creatives and Influencers

Is your greatest desire to gain the approval of people or to honor God? Your answer to this question will shape how you navigate the online world.

Written By Natalie Brentwood // EEW Magazine Online

In the age of reels, likes, shares, and viral moments, it’s easy to get swept up in the whirlwind of social media.

For Christian creatives, influencers, and everyday women trying to make an impact online, there's a fine line between using platforms to share God's message and being consumed by the pressure to feed the algorithm.

But here’s the truth: You can't serve God and the algorithm.

What Exactly Is the Algorithm?

Simply put, an algorithm is a system that social media platforms use to decide what content people see. It tracks engagement—likes, comments, shares, watch time—and pushes content that keeps users scrolling. The more engaging your post, the more people see it. Sounds harmless, right? Until it starts dictating what you post, how you post, and even why you post.

But as believers, our ultimate guide isn’t an algorithm. It’s the Holy Spirit.

Here are 5 reasons why chasing the algorithm can be spiritually detrimental:

1. It Shifts Your Focus from Purpose to Popularity

"Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ." — Galatians 1:10 (NIV)

When your worth is tied to likes and views, it’s easy to forget why you started sharing in the first place. God called you to influence hearts, not just timelines. Chasing popularity often dilutes authenticity, replacing purpose with performative posts designed to impress rather than inspire.

2. It Breeds Comparison and Discontentment

"Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else." — Galatians 6:4 (NIV)

Scrolling through highlight reels can make you feel like you’re not doing enough. Comparison creeps in: "Why isn’t my content growing? What am I doing wrong?" But God's measure of success isn’t tied to numbers. It’s tied to faithfulness. Stay focused on your lane; it's the only one God called you to run in.

3. It Can Tempt You to Compromise Your Values

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." — Romans 12:2 (NIV)

When the goal is virality, the temptation to post what’s trendy rather than what’s true grows stronger. Some may water down their message, avoid sharing their faith boldly, or jump on questionable trends just to stay relevant. But God's will for your life isn’t found in following trends; it's found in following Him.

4. It Distracts You from Real-Life Ministry

"Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth." — 1 John 3:18 (NIV)

Social media can create the illusion that online engagement equals real impact. But clicks and comments aren't substitutes for genuine connection and service. Don’t let the pursuit of digital influence distract you from real-world ministry—serving your family, community, and church.

5. It Creates an Idol Out of Influence

"You shall have no other gods before me." — Exodus 20:3 (NIV)

Anything that consumes your heart, time, and devotion more than God is an idol. When you're obsessed with content calendars, analytics, and growth strategies, it's time to pause and ask: Am I worshiping influence or the One who gives it? Remember, your identity isn’t rooted in your platform; it's rooted in Christ.

The Bottom Line

Social media is a tool, not a master. It can be used to glorify God, encourage others, and spread light—but only if it doesn’t take His place in your heart. Before you post, ask: Is this led by the Spirit or driven by the algorithm?

Because at the end of the day, you can’t serve both.