It’s amazing the power of a blue thumb. You know, that symbol that means someone has “liked” something we posted online. We like to get liked in that way. Facebook knows that, as do other websites. They know that if we are receiving applause, we’ll continue to create content for them and consume the content created by others. Most importantly, we’ll allow them to make money.

I use the Internet a lot. I post on this blog; I post on other websites; I use social media. And I like getting likes.

The danger lies when that becomes our goal. When that begins to shape our content and even our ideas. Like the chicken that gets rewarded for pressing the right button, we learn to say things that are popular or to say provocative things to stir up discussion. We may not discuss truly important things, but rather stick to things that will get a greater reaction.

May we speak truth. May we speak of important things. May we seek God’s approval more than a blue thumb.

For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority. (1 Thessalonians 2:3-6)