Hot Topics: Popularity

Am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.

Galatians 1:10 (ESV)

For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?

Luke 9:25 (ESV)

Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven.

Matthew 6:1 (NLT)

They loved human praise more than praise from God.

John 12:43 (NIV)

As a kid, I sought popularity. As a teen, I knew it wouldn't happen. I lacked popularity’s calling cards. I wasn’t pretty or gifted in sports. I wasn’t outgoing. Small talk was hard.

So I spent my prime time in media. Back then, it was TV and lots of books.

I had vicarious relationships in the dramas of my fictional friends. With today's countless virtual options, faux friends and pretend popularity are magnified beyond all reckoning.

Two of my grandchildren, then 5 and 8, saw pics of themselves on their aunt's Insta. Sadly, they compared their number of “likes”. YIKES!!

The popularity bug bites early, and it's infected masses of people!

  • When we value ourselves by friends and fans,

  • When their opinions determine our self-worth,

  • When we do “dumb” things to try and please them,

  • When we hope to get rich in the process,

  • When quantity means more than quality,

  • When pleasing men upstages pleasing God…

Popularity’s pursuit can take us down the slippery path to destruction and STEAL our God-intended destinies.

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

God chose you for this media mission, because you’re strong enough and wise enough… to walk the narrow path of pleasing fans, but only after pleasing your Father!

Never sell out for disappearing “likes”. You’re worth immeasurably more than that.

Hot Topics: Popularity (Part 50)

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re all called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re all called to be models of Jesus. We all have gifts, talents, and a commission to multiply them in the world for His glory.

P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend DAILY BIBLE READING.

WARNING: Don’t focus on your favorite verses, because taken out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!

Carey Arban