The Poison Of Popularity
Humanly speaking, it’s amazing how not much changes in the scheme of things. Social dynamics may employ new and different tools, but their appeals and how they influence have not changed. The whole idea of the power of the need to fit in with a particular group is still at work in all kinds of circles within society.
Humanly speaking, the drive to be a part of something and be accepted by the ones already a part of that something still exists today. It is a human trait. Unchecked, it can be a snare.
For instance, I was known as a hood in my early Jr High School days. There were two distinct social groups at that time. Hoods and jocks. Hoods were the boys who smoked cigarettes, used foul language, dressed a certain way, threatened violence, and partied. They were often in trouble with teachers and the principal. I spent much time in the office. Jocks were the clean-cut athletes, often model students, and always praised by the school staff and parents.
I observed that adults were not all that different at the time. They, too, had the social groups they were part of and morphed their behavior to fit in with. Today, adults scramble to fit in with groups on social media platforms.
Scripture speaks to this reality of life.
1Peter 4:1 So, since Christ suffered in the flesh, you also arm yourselves with the same attitude, because the one who has suffered in the flesh has finished with sin, 2 in that he spends the rest of his time on earth concerned about the will of God and not human desires.
3 The time that has passed was sufficient for you to do what the Non-Christians desire. You lived then in debauchery, evil desires, drunkenness, carousing, drinking bouts, and wanton idolatries. 4 So they are astonished when you do not rush with them into the same flood of wickedness, and they vilify you. 5 They will face a reckoning before Jesus Christ, who stands ready to judge the living and the dead.
Peer pressure and the fear of rejection by certain people can lead someone into situations and behaviors inconsistent with who they truly are. It creates a conflict within the soul of such a person.
Believers in Christ are new creations; as such, the heart’s desires have changed by the power and work of the Holy Spirit. To try to continue as before results in an inner conflict. I liken it to how it feels to eat the wrong thing. It seemed good at the moment, but later, inside your gut, you deeply regret it. Such is the poison of popularity.
In Christ, we no longer need the approval of those who do not care about the will of God. We have been born again and made new in Christ to live life according to the Spirit now. It is our true calling, and it is where we are most happy when we flow in it. I encourage you today and always to never be taken in by the poison of popularity in any social circle. Liev free in Christ to love and pursue His will for your life at all times. There will always be someone who will challenge His will for you, but if you truly know what it is, that is all you will need.
