Popularity can be tempting, but does the Bible encourage seeking approval from others? Today, we’ll examine what Scripture says about being popular.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Being Patient
What Does The Bible Say About Being Popular
Matthew 5:11-12
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
This verse reminds us that being popular in the eyes of the world is not always a good thing. As followers of Christ, we may face insults, persecution, and false accusations because of our faith. However, we are called to rejoice, knowing that our reward in heaven is great. Our focus should be on pleasing God rather than seeking popularity among others.
John 15:18-19
“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.”
Being popular often means conforming to the values and desires of the world. However, as followers of Jesus, we are called to be set apart from the world. This may result in the world hating us, but we can find comfort in the fact that Jesus was also hated by the world. Our identity is not defined by our popularity but by our relationship with Christ.
Proverbs 29:25
“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.”
Seeking popularity can often lead to a fear of what others think or say about us. However, this verse reminds us that fearing man is a trap. Our security and safety come from placing our trust in the Lord. Rather than seeking the approval of others, we should focus on living in a way that pleases God, knowing that His approval is what truly matters.
Galatians 1:10
“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
Being popular often involves trying to win the approval of others. However, as followers of Christ, our ultimate goal should be to please God rather than seeking the praise and approval of people. Our identity as servants of Christ means prioritizing His will above the desire to be liked or popular.
1 John 2:15-17
“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.”
Popularity often involves seeking after the things of the world, such as material possessions, fame, and self-centered desires. However, this verse reminds us not to love or prioritize the things of the world. The temporary satisfaction that popularity brings will fade away, but those who do the will of God will experience eternal life and fulfillment.
Luke 6:26
“Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you, for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets.”
Being popular and well-spoken of by everyone may seem appealing, but this verse warns that it can be a sign of aligning with falsehood. The false prophets in the past were often praised and accepted by the majority, but they did not speak the truth. As followers of Christ, we should be cautious if our popularity comes at the cost of compromising the truth.
Philippians 2:3-4
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
Seeking popularity often stems from selfish ambition and personal gain. However, as followers of Christ, we are called to humility and selflessness. Instead of focusing on our own popularity, we should value others above ourselves and prioritize their interests. By doing so, we reflect the character of Christ and demonstrate genuine love for others.
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Being popular often involves conforming to the patterns and values of the world. However, as followers of Christ, we are called to be transformed by renewing our minds and aligning ourselves with God’s will. This means resisting the pressure to conform and prioritizing God’s standards above the desire to be popular.
Proverbs 22:1
“A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.”
Popularity may bring temporary recognition or material wealth, but this verse reminds us that having a good reputation and being esteemed for our character and integrity is far more valuable. Instead of seeking popularity for its own sake, we should prioritize building a good name by living in a way that honors and reflects the character of God.
James 4:4
“You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.”
Seeking popularity often involves seeking friendship and acceptance from the world. However, this verse warns that prioritizing friendship with the world can lead to enmity against God. As followers of Christ, we are called to be in a right relationship with God and choose His ways over the ways of the world, even if it means being unpopular.
1 Peter 2:9
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
Instead of seeking popularity, we are called to embrace our identity as chosen people, a royal priesthood, and God’s special possession. Our purpose is to declare God’s praises and shine His light in the world. By living out our true identity in Christ, we can have a far greater impact than any temporary popularity can bring.
Luke 14:11
“For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Seeking popularity often involves exalting oneself and seeking attention and recognition. However, Jesus teaches us that true exaltation comes through humility. As followers of Christ, we are called to humble ourselves, recognizing our need for God’s grace and acknowledging that any popularity or recognition we receive is ultimately from Him.
Proverbs 11:2
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”
Popularity can sometimes lead to pride and arrogance. However, this verse warns that pride ultimately brings disgrace. Humility, on the other hand, leads to wisdom. Rather than seeking popularity, we should cultivate a humble heart before God and others, recognizing that true wisdom comes from Him.
Matthew 23:12
“For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Seeking popularity by exalting ourselves and seeking recognition will ultimately result in being humbled. However, the opposite is true as well, as this verse shows that those who humble themselves will be exalted. Rather than seeking to be popular in the eyes of others, we should humble ourselves before God and trust in His timing for exaltation.
Proverbs 27:2
“Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; an outsider, and not your own lips.”
Popularity often involves self-promotion and seeking praise for ourselves. However, this verse advises us to let someone else praise us rather than boasting about ourselves. Seeking the approval and recognition of others should not be our focus; instead, we should strive for humility and allow our character and actions to speak for themselves.
Psalm 138:6
“Though the Lord is exalted, he looks kindly on the lowly; though lofty, he sees them from afar.”
Popularity may seem desirable, but this verse reminds us that God looks kindly on the lowly and humble. He is not impressed by earthly fame or popularity. Instead, He sees the hearts of those who are humble and faithful to Him. Rather than seeking popularity, we should strive to have a heart that is pleasing to God.
Proverbs 15:33
“Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor.”
True wisdom comes from fearing the Lord and recognizing His authority and greatness. As followers of Christ, we should prioritize humility, knowing that it comes before honor. Seeking popularity may bring temporary recognition, but true honor comes from a heart that is humble and reverent before God.
Psalm 75:6-7
“No one from the east or the west or from the desert can exalt themselves. It is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another.”
Instead of seeking to exalt ourselves and becoming popular by our own efforts, we should trust in God’s timing and judgment. He is the one who exalts and brings down. Our focus should be on living faithfully and allowing Him to lift us up according to His will, rather than striving for popularity in our own strength.
1 Timothy 6:6
“But godliness with contentment is great gain.”
Popularity often leads to a constant desire for more recognition and validation. However, this verse reminds us that true gain comes from godliness and contentment. Being content with who we are in Christ and seeking to live in a way that pleases Him is far more valuable than any temporary popularity or worldly gain.
Isaiah 2:22
“Stop trusting in mere humans, who have but a breath in their nostrils. Why hold them in esteem?”
Popularity often involves placing our trust and esteem in mere humans. However, this verse challenges us to stop relying on the opinions and approval of others. People are fallible and temporary, and their opinions can shift easily. Instead of seeking popularity, we should trust in God, who is steadfast and trustworthy.
Psalm 20:7
“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”
Seeking popularity can often lead to placing our trust in human strength and abilities. However, as followers of Christ, we are called to trust in the name of the Lord our God. Our security and confidence should come from Him alone, not from the fleeting popularity or approval of others.
Isaiah 53:3
“He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.”
Jesus Himself experienced rejection and being held in low esteem by the world. As His followers, we should not be surprised if we face similar experiences. Our focus should not be on seeking popularity, but on following in the footsteps of Jesus, who endured suffering and rejection for the sake of God’s kingdom.
Proverbs 14:12
“There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.”
Seeking popularity often involves following the path that appears right in the eyes of the world. However, this verse warns that such a path can ultimately lead to destruction. Rather than being swayed by what seems popular or appealing, we should seek God’s wisdom and guidance, knowing that His way leads to life.
When it comes to the topic of being popular, the Bible provides a counter-cultural perspective. Instead of encouraging us to strive for popularity and seek the approval of others, these verses remind us of the importance of humility, contentment, and prioritizing our relationship with God. They caution us against conforming to the patterns of the world and seeking after temporary recognition or validation. Seeking popularity may lead to compromise, pride, and a misplaced focus on the opinions of others. In contrast, the verses encourage us to find our worth and security in God, to prioritize His approval above the approval of man, and to embrace our identity as chosen and loved by Him. The true gain and honor come from living in obedience to God’s will, not from the fleeting popularity that the world offers. As followers of Christ, we are called to live with humility, to seek wisdom from God, and to trust in His timing and judgment.