The Week of Galatians 1:10 - Part Two of Five

Every election season, we see it happen time and again. The scene has been played out so often that it is now almost predictable. Somewhere along the road to the office they are seeking, candidates cease touting their credentials and begin playing the popularity game.

"Vote for me, I'm popular."

"Pick me, I hang with the President."

"Choose me, I'll give you a government program so you'll never be in need again."

I'm only 35, so I can't speak to much beyond those years, but politics in America have become less about leadership and much more about popularity. I suppose its the nature of that beast to create a bunch of glad-handing people who's sole work is to make you happy rather than to actually lead. See, leadership is not about happiness or warm, fuzzy feelings. Many times, leadership involves making very unpopular decisions for the betterment of the organization, industry or nation.

The same is true when it comes to following Jesus. When you read the Gospels, it's pretty obvious that Jesus didn't play the popularity game. The religious leaders of His day wanted Jesus to side with them, and were disgusted when Jesus would hang out with the sinners and tax collectors.

Jesus' teachings were sometimes offensive, and John records a time when He lost many followers, because he claimed to be the bread of life. When Jesus had finished speaking, many of his followers grumbled to themselves, "This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?"

John 6:66 may very well be one of the saddest sentences in the whole Bible, "After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him."

That's pretty clear evidence that Jesus wasn't into popularity contests. He knew His mission, and being popular was not a component in completing it.

Life isn't about being the most popular. It's not even about being well liked, although I think it is a good thing to have a good reputation. As Christians, we are meant to be servants of God, to follow His instruction and remain obedient, even if it's not popular.

After all, there will come a day when we will all kneel before the Almighty. On that day, our popularity won't matter, but our obedience will.