Soldier's Orders: Refusal To Seek Popularity

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Romans 12:2 (ESV)

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

Luke 9:25 (ESV)

The signal flag called POPULARITY comes from a Latin word, “popularis”. It’s meaning? “Belonging to the people." Therein, popularity is a trap. 

When we seek votes, likes, status, applause, and approval from people, we seek wrongly.

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

Never seek to “belong to the people.” You belong to God. Christ is your Captain, and your 'Citizenship is in Heaven' (Philippians 3:20).

Much like the children of God from the start, you’ve 'Entered a Covenant to seek the Lord God with all [your] heart and with all [your] soul' (2 Chronicles 15:12).... which at this point means: To follow His Son!

You don't have the time for people-pleasing. You're into God-pleasing, like your Captain: 'For I always do those things that please Him' (John 8:29). 'Therefore when Jesus perceived that they were about to come and take Him by force to make Him king, He departed again to the mountain by Himself alone' (John 6:15).

Because…

Fame can be fleeting, fans can be fickle, friends can be flighty, and even family can be faithless. The evidence we must never ignore?

Jesus went from a TRIUMPHAL ENTRY into Jerusalem with cheering fans... to (5 days later) a ferocious mob, ‘Shouting, ‘Crucify Him! Crucify Him’ ’ (Luke 23:21).

(NOTE: Paul also faced similar shifts of heart.*)

As to performers and influencers seeking popularity as their goal? 'Come out from among them and be separate' (2 Corinthians 6:17). 

Remind yourself and remind each other: Only God is absolutely constant. Only 'Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever' (Hebrews 13:8).

KNOW THIS: Not one Bible hero sought fame. Not Abraham, Isaac, Joseph, Moses, Samson, David, Daniel, Esther, Mary, Jesus, or ANY early disciple. 

Instead, fame sought them. 'These blessings will come upon you and overtake you if you obey the Lord your God; (Deuteronomy 28:2)... if, if, if you 'Seek FIRST the Kingdom of God and His righteousness...' (Matthew 6:33).

Soldier's Orders: Refusal To Seek Popularity (Part 22)

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players.’ Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.

* https://biblehub.com/topical/naves/p/paul--the_people_attempt_to_worship_him.htm