One of the great paradoxes of the modern church is our relationship between principles and popularity. We don't want to compromise our principles because our principles are inspired by God. On the other hand, we don't want to push too many people away because if we don't have a degree of popularity, there is no one for the church to reach. So, what is a modern Christian to do? Do we stand for principle at the expense of popularity or do we throttle our principles to reach more people?
This is somewhat a trick question; in practice you can be principled and reach people for Christ. Still, often our minds will simplify church decision-making to these two elements. WWJD... What would Jesus do?
Jesus didn't have any problems attracting crowds. Remember the feeding of the 5,000? Jesus' teachings has mass appeal. So, if Jesus was so popular, why did he often find himself alone or in the company of a small group of disciples?
[After the feeding of the 5,000...] 20 Everyone ate and was satisfied. They picked up twelve baskets full of leftover pieces. 21 Now those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children. 22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 After dismissing the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. Well into the night, he was there alone. (Matthew 14:20-23)
Jesus' life is an interesting example of how our modern perspectives are often a bit misguided. Jesus had what we would consider a "successful ministry". He had influence, followers, and the opportunity to spread a "brand" unlike anyone else. Yet, we see him time and time again retreating to be alone, dismissing the crowds, and returning to his disciples. Can you imagine a modern ministry or church which reaches thousands of people, then suddenly just... stops because their popularity is becoming a distraction?
Jesus' ministry was never about the numbers. If it was, he would have leveraged any one of the several opportunities he had to greatly expand his movement. He easily could have led a social or religious uprising, but he was driven by something deeper than brand or popularity. He was driven by his sense of mission; Jesus came here for a reason. He was here to demonstrate to us his ultimate token of compassion by dying on the cross for our sins. While he could have enjoyed any number of comforts along the way, he pushed those opportunities aside to be more effective where he was sent by the father.
In our lives, I wonder how often we get so wrapped up in personal brand or popularity only to end up missing out on a greater sense of purpose? Social acceptance is an intoxicating drug and many "good, Christian people" have succumbed to it. If we are willing to look past our own sense of gain and our own metrics of success, I think we'll be shocked to see where God may be moving.
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