Is it okay to be popular?
Here's the answer:
Yes, it's okay to be popular. But as long as you’re living the way Jesus wants you to, it doesn't really matter if you’re popular or not.
People are popular for different reasons. Maybe someone at your school is rich and always has the latest gadgets or the best clothes, so other kids want to be seen with him. Some kids are popular because of their looks; they may have a pretty face or big muscles. These are all superficial reasons for being popular. But sometimes kids become popular because they are kind and helpful and have a cheerful attitude. Lots of people want to be friends with them because they are really good at being a friend to others!
As Christians, we know that we are not to put our trust in riches (1 Timothy 6:17) or our physical appearance (1 Samuel 16:7). So you shouldn't be looking to those things to help you be popular. We are commanded by God to love others (John 13:34) and to be kind to them (Ephesians 4:32). If you are popular because you are living your life this way, be thankful that God has allowed you the opportunity to influence your friends. He can even use your popularity to give you lots of chances to tell others about Him!
However, popularity should never be your goal. When you are truly living the Christian life and trying to follow God's commands, you will not be very popular with some people in this world. Many people who don’t know God don’t like anything to do with God or His followers.
So make it your goal to love and obey God and to love others with His help. Whether or not you are popular as a result, you will know that God, the King and creator of the universe, is pleased with you, and that's a whole lot better than being popular!
Bible Truth
"Most of all, love one another deeply" (1 Peter 4:8a).
"Am I now trying to get people to think well of me? Or do I want God to think well of me? Am I trying to please people? If I were, I would not be serving Christ" (Galatians 1:10).
