By Michaela Gordoni
Singer Matthew West believes his authenticity will draw people to Christ via social media.
“I hope to be a voice because they’re scrolling through…maybe they’ll see one of those videos that I post, and they won’t see some Christian pretending he’s got it all together, but they’ll hear honesty, vulnerability and authenticity,” he told Fox News.
“And ultimately, that’s what I think makes somebody a person of faith most attractive to the world around them. I want them to see, ‘Hey there’s something different about you. You’re not preaching to me. You’re not pretending you’re perfect but you’re pointing me to a God who says he can change me from the inside out.’”
West believes once they realize the truth, they will want more of it.
Related: How Musician Matthew West Came to Realize That God Was the Real Author of His Story
West knows that there is a dark side to social media; it’s exploitative and can have a lot of hate. When he thinks about that, John 13:35 comes to mind — “They will know we are Christians by our love” — so that’s what he tries to show.
West shared, “I wrote a line once. I never put it in the song, but it was like, ‘They’re looking for love but would rather play judge.’ And that idea turned into a song called ‘Truth Be Told.’”
He says social media should represent the love that Christ gives you.
“It’s not a place to hide, where you can get into battles and fight. Whether we’re just talking to somebody directly or on social media, they will know we were Christians by love,” he said.
On May 17, West performed at the national prayer event, Rededicate 250, backed by President Donald Trump.
At the event, West said, “Social media wants you to be perfect. Jesus wants you to be real.”
He previously shared his own struggles with social media as a performer. Even though he knows he’s had successes in God’s eyes, social media has made him feel like it’s not enough. But he’s turned to what’s real.
“Everybody’s fighting in a heart battle. When you’re on [social media], realize that it’s the highlight reels [we see], and we’re all living in real life,” West said.
“We want authenticity. We want honesty; we want real. Social media can really do a number on all of us,” he admitted. “As a dad of two daughters, I’m seeing it happen. Day in and day out, I’m just trying to navigate that.”
Recently, West has reached people on social media through one of his new song releases, “Jesus is King,” and by sharing spiritual insights.
Read Next: Being a Dad Taught Matthew West This About God’s Love
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