Who Are You Following: Pursuing Jesus in a Social Media Obsessed World by Sadie Robertson Huff
Book review by Miriam Mathie
It is without doubt that the society we live in today pressures each one of us to hold another world at our fingertips. I don’t know about you, but personally, the version of myself I show on social media, whilst still me, is a polished and selected part of who I am as a person. But why are we only showing part of who we are? And how does this fare for us as Christians in an already difficult-to-exist society? Well, in Sadie Robertson Huff’s book, Who Are You Following? she taps into these themes and gives her readership an insight into how we can approach a social media obsessed society through the lens of Christianity.
In the foreword to the book, Tim and Demi-Leigh Tebow provide an explanation of the book’s intentions; to encourage her readership to examine their own hearts, reflect on what they are consuming and remember that ‘our ultimate aim is Jesus. Period.’ Sadie continues from this and tells her own story about deleting the social media app, Instagram. This, for me, immediately broke the distance between author and reader, for she had made it relatable. As a woman stuck in the awkward phase of not being a teenager but also not feeling like an adult, I could understand at once the ebb and flow of social media usage and how it can be beneficial but also harmful in our everyday lives. Whilst this topic can appear to some as a another way to be judgemental of those who indulge in the lives they have on their phones, Sadie approaches it positively and honestly, backing up her points with statistics and Bible verses to turn her readers in the right direction.
Although the chapters can appear lengthy at times, Sadie breaks them up into smaller chunks of thought pertaining to her theme for the section and weaves in graphics and questions for those more drawn to visualisation and reflection. She allows her readership to take her book at their own pace and in their own way as she recounts her life with a deep honesty and openness that is unlike most books I have read on this topic.
As I read through the book, it dawned on me how many times I had paused to check my social media notifications. Respond to that comment, check what that person tweeted, and entwine myself in the highs and lows of likes on Instagram. It was a reality check for me, but I believe this would be a beneficial and eye-opening resource for everyone who reads it, including church youth groups. Sadie touches on Bible verses which are pertinent to her points throughout the book, including Psalm 139 where David mentions how we are ‘woven in our mother’s womb.’ Moments like these encourage personal reflection or discussion within groups , as Sadie allows her readers to ponder on what these verses mean for them and how they can give them a fresh perspective on how they view themselves or portray themselves on social media. Each subsection of the chapter provides fresh stories and different approaches to the topic which help to build a better picture of what Sadie intends her readership to know or be touched by, and does so with positive affirmation and practical advice.
Sadie continues this positivity right until the end of the book, where I personally felt it hit its peak. She wraps up her thought-process by addressing the challenge of social media usage that her readership may be dwelling on, as ‘a friend tells the truth out of love and does not guide you in the wrong direction.’ Sadie brushes away feelings of shame and guilt in this and instead encourages each of us to re-examine ourselves, our ambitions and our relationship with Jesus, as ‘we are never too far gone to become who we know we can be'.
Who Are You Following? is a pertinent and insightful read, especially within our social media driven society today. Full of challenge and inspiration, Sadie reminds each one of her readers where their ultimate follow should go. To Jesus. ‘With Him, there is a way. There is a truth. There is a life.’
Romans 12: 2 says, ‘Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.’
About the Author
Sadie Robertson Huff is a New York Times bestselling author, speaker, influencer, and founder of Live Original. She is also the host of the popular podcast, ‘Whoa,That’s Good’.
Together Magazine
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