Popularity!

There was a college professor who got the impression that a particular girl was not very well like by the other girls. He asked one of them why it was and was told, “It’s because she won last year’s popularity contest.”

Since the views of others can be so changeable, why is so much effort put into becoming popular among others? People can be so fickle. Today’s superstar quickly becomes yesterday’s history. In day-to-day life people can be all for you one moment and completely against you the next. For example, when Paul and Barnabas went to Lystra, they received quite a reception.
Among those who intently listened to Paul’s message was a man who had been crippled from birth. When Paul healed this man it brought quite a reaction from the crowd.

Luke recorded…
“(11) And when the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in Lycaonian, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!” (12) BARNABAS THEY CALLED ZEUS, AND PAUL, HERMES, BECAUSE HE WAS THE CHIEF SPEAKER.” ( Acts 14:11-12 ESV)

They were impressed to say the least. Then the priest of Zeus began to make preparations for a sacrifice to them. Paul tried to dissuade the people by pointing the attention away from himself to the “living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them.” ( Acts 14:15) As a humble messenger being well received we might think a door was opened wide for ministry on that day. Unfortunately that’s not the whole story.

Note how quickly the scene changed.
“But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, THEY STONED PAUL and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead.” ( Acts 14:19 ESV)

Acclaimed as gods one moment and stoned the next. Yes, how quickly the rise and fall of popularity can come. Fortunately Paul survived and continued on with Barnabas to Derbe. They did, however, later return to Lystra to encourage those who had believed. ( Acts 14:21)

Popularity is often sought and gained when one focuses more on self than anything (or anyone) else. This was the case with the Jewish leaders who saw Jesus as a threat to their position and those who loved the praise of men more than that of God. ( John 11:48; 12:42-43) With Paul, it mattered not if he was judged, by men. Instead, it was where He stood IN THE EYES OF GOD that mattered most.

Being right and upholding the truth does not always parallel popular opinion. However, right and truth are always on THE SIDE OF GOD. People may sway from side to side regarding who or what is popular, but with God we can know where we stand as we genuinely seek His Will. Though the world may be fickle, we can be encouraged by the consistency of God. May we continue to be mindful of His view.

Have a great day SEEKING TO PLEASE GOD!
Carl

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