Social media serves a variety of interests. Many post as a way of keeping connected with family and friends. For others, it may be one of their few means of social interaction. For many, it’s informative and perhaps even inspirational – town pages, church pages like this one, and other groups of interest. But for some … it’s an obsession. Their objective: to gain lots of followers and to go viral.
“The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree.” (Matthew 13:31-32).
The desire to “go viral” is not much different than the good, old-fashioned cry for attention. It’s the post that spreads, the video that explodes, the moment that captures attention. For some, it can earn them money or sponsorships, but for many, it’s about being seen. Bigger numbers feel like bigger significance.
And, honestly, it’s easy to carry that mindset into the church and into faith. Bigger must be better. We assume the Kingdom of God must work the same way: dramatic, impressive, impossible to miss.
But Jesus rarely described God’s Kingdom in those terms.
Instead, he spoke about seeds. And not just any seeds. Mustard seeds. Then he talked about yeast added to bread. How just a little yeast leavens a whole loaf. Tiny things. Hidden things. Slow things.
A mustard seed buried in the soil doesn’t look powerful. Yeast disappearing into dough doesn’t seem important. Yet Jesus insisted this is how God often works — quietly, patiently, beneath the surface.
The internet rewards the loudest and the latest. The Kingdom often grows quietly through those who aren’t flashy but who are faithful.
A whispered prayer. A quiet act of forgiveness. An undeserved act of kindness. A lifelong commitment to integrity when no one applauds. A church member who serves faithfully year after year without recognition.
None of these things trend online. Yet God notices every one of them.
One of the great temptations of our age is believing that successful impact must always be visible. We are conditioned to measure success by certain metrics: the size of the crowd, the amount of money brought in, and the media response. We want to be noticed. But the ministry of Jesus reminds us of a different truth. Most of his earthly work happened far from crowds and headlines. And still, his love transformed the world.
The Kingdom is built on faithfulness that grows slowly. Like seeds in good soil or yeast in bread. And, by the way, God notices our faithfulness.
Prayer: Jesus, teach me to value faithfulness more than attention or applause. When I’m tempted to measure worth by visibility or success, remind me that your Kingdom grows quietly and patiently. Help me plant seeds of grace and love, trusting that you will bring the growth in your time and in your way. Amen.
