Popularity Contest

Scripture:
Luke: 6:26"There's trouble ahead when you live only for the approval of others, saying what flatters them, doing what indulges them. Popularity contests are not truth contests—look how many scoundrel preachers were approved by your ancestors! Your task is to be true, not popular."

Observation:
Jesus had been on the mountain praying and as he came down, he was surrounded by his disciples and a crowd began to gather. Those who were looking to be healed, to hear him speak, to touch him. The words above are among the words he spoke to them that day. So man lived for the approval of someone in the higher class than they were in. Often times, their approval could be the difference between feeding a family or even life or death. At the very least, the approval of someone in a class higher than one's own meant some prestige or power. It still does today.

Application:
Even in ministry, it's very easy to fall into this trap. Most of us don't like conflict and want everyone to get along. But even more than that, if everyone can't get along with each other, we just want to be liked by all. Life seems easier when everyone likes you. It's a fact. However, it always comes to an end. You can't have the aproval of everyone all the time. I just did a Strength's Finder and one of my strengths is Belief. The strength assessment said that those with this strength have core values that set their direction. These beliefs have served me well in my life. They have set the course for and helped me not to live flattering and indulging others. I have also found that it is okay not to be popular and there are times when it seems no one likes you. The reality of the Christian faith is that it leads to a hill called Golgatha and a cross. If it was true for Jesus, why would we think it would be any different for us. However, it does not stop on that hill, but continues on Easter Sunday morning with the resurrection. So, live like there is no death and be true to your task of sharing the Gospel.

Prayer:
Lord, our human nature desires for this life to be easy and to be liked by everyone. Yet, that leads to compromise and most often leads to a compromise of how you would have us to live. What ou have called us to do...the path that you lead us down is not an easy one and one that there is no way we could travel without you. So, continue to lead me and guide me. Continue to give me the strength that I need to do our will no matter what the cost. Amen