The Pressure of Popularity

With increasing pressure to fall into particular political camps, how are Christians supposed to navigate faithfully? We cannot give in to any cultural system, no matter how widely accepted, if it contradicts the truths of Scripture.

The Problem

• Authentic followers of God are typically the ones holding the minority opinion throughout history.
• Just because something is popular does not mean it is right.
• We must beware of the tendency to adapt our beliefs to align with the culture.

The Prophet

1 Kings 22:1-28

• When a prophet was provoked by political pressure and a popular position, he resolved to stay faithful to God above anything else.
• Prideful leaders surround themselves with religious-sounding people who provide spiritual platitudes devoid of biblical backing (22:1-12).
• We must beware of the tendency to adapt our eternal beliefs to align with the temporal culture.
• The consistent prophet refused to cater to those in authority by providing a popular or pleasing message (22:13-18).
• You cannot truly follow Jesus in this culture and emerge unchallenged.
• God’s throne supersedes every other throne, and therefore, his followers should never bow to a lesser one (22:19-28).
• We should honor our authorities and surrender to our God – not the other way around.

The Position

• Whenever a political allegiance overshadows a biblical mandate, we need to examine the real object of our faith.
• Many believers have sacrificed their integrity on the altar of expediency.
• Our culture has wrongfully polarized conviction and compassion against each other.
• “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).
• We have a major problem in the Church if we stereotype compassion as heresy and conviction as bigotry.
• The consistent Christian navigates life with unwavering conviction and undeniable compassion.
• Don’t gain the political world while forfeiting your spiritual soul.