The Narrative Drives the Experience: Why Your Social Media Feed Matters

Your Feed, Your Future

Our lives are intertwined with the virtual world in today’s digital age. The constant stream of information we consume through social media platforms shapes our thoughts, emotions, and, ultimately, through the power of an unseen influence, our lives. The narrative we expose ourselves to becomes the driving force behind our experiences. In other words, what is in your heart in abundance influences your station in life and your future. Novel concept? Fringe thinking? Party-pooping on your social media fun? Consider the words of Solomon:

[Pro 4:23 KJV] 23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it [are] the issues of life.

Think about it – every post, every article, every video we encounter leaves an imprint on our minds. The stories we read, the images we see, and the opinions we absorb influence our beliefs, values, and outlook on life. In essence, our social media feed reflects our inner world. How can this be? Even those whose values do not prioritize spiritual dynamics still have something on the inside of them by God intended to bring from the heart, the human spirit into manifest substance in their lives whether they believe in Jesus or not because faith, the measure of faith God gives to every person born into the world, also works in the reverse (what you fear the most will do what? It will “come upon you”). 

[Rom 12:3 KJV] 3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think [of himself] more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

[Job 3:25 KJV] 25 For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me.

How can this be? Because fear is not independent of faith, it is actually corrupted faith. Why did God give the measure of faith in the first place? It isn’t just to facilitate conversion because it was given not after the fall (which made conversion necessary for a relationship with God) but was actually given before the fall when God created man in the first place. If the measure of faith is not only for conversion, what was its purpose before the fall? The answer is this – God made man to have dominion and to “tend” and “keep” the world around him. How would this happen? By faith and by declaration and decree of the spoken word, the very spoken word that God implemented to create the earth. 

[Heb 11:3 KJV] 3 Through faith, we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

Negativity Breeds Negativity, Positivity Breeds Hope

Not only does faith frame the world in the macroscale wherein God created all the world and the cosmos, but faith also serves this function in the microcosm, in your personal life, which is why the writer of Hebrews made the statement above as a comparative of God to man and the fact that God made man in His image. If God framed and upheld the world by faith, then man made in God’s image is empowered to influence his environment through faith – a creative capacity in your spirit intended to influence your life now and in the future. In other words, what is in your heart in abundance will influence the tenor of the words of your mouth. The words of your mouth release into your life the issues of life that the heart formulates, a process by which the narrative, the primary narrative of your life through the eye gate, the ear gate, becomes the food that feeds and drives this creative process. As IBM programmer and instructor George Fuechsel, who is said to have coined the term in the early 1960s, once said, “garbage in, garbage out.” What is the lesson? If you don’t like what is in your life, change what is in your heart, it begins there. You could change your language, the tenor of your words, but if it doesn’t originate in the heart, a heart change and cleansing, then those words are inert and void of power. Change what is getting into your heart, and I personally have found (through speaking the word, declaring the word in my devotional life) change will come in about three to six months (as I have experienced over the last 40 years of applying these understandings). This is not merely a niche theological discussion but a central tenet of the teachings of Jesus as the following scriptures show us:  

[Mat 12:34 KJV] 34 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.

[Luk 6:45 KJV] 45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.

The Human Heart is an Incubator of Either Negativity or Positivity

It’s no secret that negativity breeds negativity. When we constantly expose ourselves to toxic content, whether it’s drama, gossip, or complaints, we risk cultivating a pessimistic mindset. On the other hand, when we choose to focus on positive, uplifting content, we create a fertile ground for hope and optimism to flourish. This is why Paul emphasizes this so strongly in his letter to the Philippians:

[Phl 4:8 KJV] 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things.

This is where the power of faith-based content comes in. By embracing content that is hopeful and Bible-focused, we invite a transformative power into our lives. The teachings of the Bible offer timeless wisdom, guidance, and encouragement. They remind us of our purpose, our worth, and our potential. Immersing ourselves in scripture and inspirational messages can have a profound impact on our mental and emotional well-being in the psychological aspect of our being but also initiates (now listen to this) it initiates creative alchemy to transform your words into a life-changing, transformative power that will influence and shape your lives far more than you know – if you accept the testimony of scripture in the words of Paul, Solomon, Jesus, and others. The primary character of the narrative you internalize by exposure to these influences shifts our focus from the temporary to the eternal, from the material to the spiritual. It instills in us a sense of peace, joy, and gratitude, or conversely, can fill your life with unrest, depression, and thanklessness.  

The Transformative Power of Faith-Based Content

The narrative we choose to embrace through our social media feed and other information outlets and distribution platforms has the power to shape our lives in unimaginable ways. By intentionally curating a feed that is uplifting, encouraging, and faith-filled, we pave the way for a brighter future. So, take a moment to evaluate your social media consumption. Are the accounts you follow and the content you engage with aligned with your values and aspirations? If not, it might be time for a digital detox. Unfollow accounts that spread negativity and replace them with sources of inspiration and hope.

Remember, the narrative drives the experience. Choose a narrative that empowers, uplifts, and draws you closer to your faith. In doing so, you’ll discover a newfound sense of purpose, joy, and fulfillment in your life.

Curate the Primary Narratives of Your Life for a Brighter Future