Have you ever heard of “Finsta”?

What does finsta mean?

Finsta is short for Finstagram, or “fake Instagram,” referring to an account made so that a user can post images and interact with other accounts in a more private way, usually reserving the account’s followers to close friends.

—Merriam Webster

As a youth group worker and mother of a teen, I’ve heard the term more than once. The teens have an account they want the world, including adults, to see. Then there is the account only friends can see. Their Finsta. Chances are those pictures would contain things adults/parents probably wouldn’t approve of.

When you think about it, it’s living a double life.

The more I reflected on that, the more I realized there is such a thing as “finsta faith.”

There’s the appearance one wants the world to see. Perhaps that account is generous with money and is at a church service every Sunday.

The finsta faith? That version might be of someone who doesn’t live for Christ Monday-Saturday. Perhaps alcohol or people take first place in their lives. Maybe their language is generous in profanity. Basically no one would be able to tell the difference between someone in finsta faith versus a person with no relationship with Jesus at all.

Years and years ago I witnessed finsta faith up close, and it stuck with me. When that person was around me or my family, they spoke of hymns. Their language included “Praise God” and “what an answer to prayer.”

Then their finsta life collided with their other life.

My family was at an event and so was this other person. They were with a group that was not living for Christ. I watched that person’s eyes as they looked at us, and then the other group. If they talked hymns with that group, they would be found out by the others. If they talked like the group they were with, the charade was over.

They chose to act like the other group.

James 4:8 contains a verse that I think addresses finsta faith pretty well.

Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:8, ESV

It would be easy and tempting to judge the teens for their finsta accounts, but I better take a look at my own life first. I believe with all my heart we are in a time where the faith fence sitting is behind us. No more lukewarm faith.

—Julie Arduini

You are either for Christ, or against Him.

I’m studying and teaching on Revelation and John wrote down everything he experienced as inspired by God. He wrote it from the island of Patmos in 95 A.D. where he was living as what we would now call an enemy of the state.

His crime?

He refused to renounce Jesus as Lord.

He refused to bow to the emperor.

That’s real faith, and as believers, that’s what we’re called to.

No I’ll talk Jesus with this group and live completely different with everyone else.

Do you dare take inventory? Are you ready to ask God where you stand? Is your faith authentic or finsta?

If you align more with a finsta faith, it’s not too late. In fact, now is the perfect time to get on your knees, confess, repent, and watch Jesus make all things new. Most of all, you! (By the way, that challenge starts with me. Heading to my prayer time right now).