Not a Popularity Contest

In High School I would religiously write down my outfit each day as to not have any fashion repeats within a two week period. Heaven forbid I walk into first period wearing the same sweater I had on last week! Think of my reputation! Think of all the girls who would roll their eyes at me snickering to each other, "OMG! She's totally wearing a repeat!"

I've come a long way, but the truth is a lot of us desire the acceptance and approval of those around us. We formulate decisions, even life altering ones, based on what other people think. It oppresses our freedom, our giftings, and ultimately our joy.

When decisions are approaching I tend to flop like a fish out of water wondering what is the best. Sometimes instead of going to God and ultimately obeying him, I ask friends, family, people I sit next to on airplanes (seriously) if they have opinions of what I should do. Of course they do! And then I flop around some more, only further from a pool of water.

The other day while flying back from my brother's wedding in Virginia, I read about Amaziah, a king of Judah, who made some decisions that made some people mad. Instead of wanting popularity, he decided obedience to God was far better.

Amaziah was going to war and decided to hire 100,000 troops from Israel for 100 talents of silver to help him fight the battle. A man of God approached Amaziah with this message: "O king, these troops from Israel must not march with you, for the Lord is not with Israel-not with any of the people of Ephraim. Even if you go and fight courageously in battle, God will overthrow you before the enemy, for God has the power to help or to overthrow." (2 Chronicles 25:8-9)

Amaziah kind of complains saying, "But what about the hundred talents of silver I paid for the Israelite troops?" To which the man of God replied, "The Lord can give you much more than that."

So Amaziah decides to trust God's ability to win the battle with less men and with less money in his pocket and out of obedience he sends the Israelite troops home. Their response? "They were furious with Judah and left home in a great rage." (2 Chronicles 25:10)

Amaziah wasn't looking to win a popularity contest with people. Amaziah didn't change his mind when he saw people were furious at him. He remained obedient to God.

Being obedient to God doesn't mean you'll make the popular decision. It doesn't guarantee rejoicing from those around you when God intercepts and changes your plans. But it does guarantee you God's best.

Popularity contests are thriving within our culture. I pray we would always choose obedience to God.