Apples of Gold

One of the worst feelings a child in elementary school can have is being the last one chosen for a team. The competitive and athletic kids are usually chosen first. Then it becomes a popularity contest, until it finally comes down to the last few kids. Rather than being excited to have them join the team these kids find themselves just hoping not to be last. Well, I guess I’m stuck with …. What a miserable feeling. We all like to be liked.

When we were younger fitting in might simply involve a different haircut or brand of jeans. Growing up does not eradicate the desire to belong to the group it merely shows up in a different manner. It can be uncomfortable to walk into a room full of people and not recognize anyone. Sitting at an empty table surrounded by a throng of chattering people can make you feel invisible and unimportant. Something in our very DNA longs to be accepted and appreciated.

This need has given rise to a culture of compromise and confusion. Speaking out can either skyrocket an individual to popularity or result in immediate excommunication. The rules of society seem to change from day to day and if you missed the most recent trend memo you could find yourself rapidly losing favor with the elites. Trying to keep up with the latest twist could easily result in a serious case of whiplash.

As followers of Jesus we do not live by the ever fluctuating cultural standards. We have a rock solid guide of unchanging, absolute truth laid out for us in the Word of God. Isaiah gives us a much needed reminder:

The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever. Isaiah 40:8

So we have an unflinching standard that on a rapidly increasing basis finds itself in direct opposition to popular culture. The quest for popularity can only lead to serious temptation to compromise, ignore or water down the truth in order to be acceptable to those around us.

C.S. Lewis has an interesting quote:

When the world is running toward a cliff, he who is running in the opposite direction appears to have lost his mind.

Is there any question where our current culture is heading? In order to fit in quietly we would have to head towards the cliff with them. Our call as believers is not to run with the crowd but rather face the oncoming stampede, plant our feet solidly on the ground, and shout truth at the top of our lungs hoping that somebody, anybody will hear us and break from the herd.

We should not be surprised that a culture which has rejected God would also reject us when we stand for His principles.

If the world hates you remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you. Do you remember what I told you? ‘A slave is not greater than the master.’ Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you. And if they had listened to me, they would listen to you. They will do all this to you because of me, for they have rejected the one who sent me. John 15:18-23

For many years America was a Christian nation. God was respected, pastors and Christians in general were highly trusted, morality was expected. Standing up for truth was embraced and as a result it was relatively easy for a believer to be popular, even looked up to by their lost friends and neighbors. A shift has occurred and this is no longer the case. Luke warns us that popularity among the crowds is dangerous:

What sorrow awaits you who are praised by the crowds, for their ancestors also praised false prophets. Luke 6:26

Perhaps we need to check ourselves in this area. How important is fitting in to me? Am I trying to blend in with the world in order to be one of the popular kids? Take a few minutes and think about which Christian leaders the world is praising. I assure you very few, if any, solid, biblical, truth speaking people will be found in that group and unfortunately those who may have started strong quickly find themselves beginning to edge closer to the line of compromise and appeasement.

So fear the LORD and serve him wholeheartedly. Put away forever the idols your ancestors worshiped when they lived beyond the Euphrates RIver and in Egypt. Serve the LORD alone. But if you refuse to serve the LORD, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the LORD. Joshua 24:14-15

We all have a choice to make, popularity or spiritual maturity? Living a life that pleases God might ruffle some feathers and cost you some friends but the reward that awaits you is so much greater.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me-the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the praise is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8