Even a cursory glance at the political landscape today will demonstrate how popular opinion can change like March weather in the southeast. Popular opinion is a shifty thing…but this is nothing new.
Jesus knew the pains of a fickle audience well. The week he was murdered is probably the best example of that, but that was not his only experience with a moody bunch.
Luke 4 illustrates this.
Jesus was in his home town of Nazareth when he read from Isaiah during a temple meeting. In 6 verses he witnessed a swing of emotion that is common with the “crowd” mentality.
In verse 22 “everyone spoke well of him“. By verse 28 they were “furious“. They even “intended to push him over the cliff“.
When we allow the opinions of others to determine our state of mind, we miss the abiding peace that comes from total obedience to Jesus.
The question is not, what do people think about me? We play to a sold out audience of one. The only question with true grit is whether or not Jesus is pleased with our steps and motives.
When the substance of our affirmation is based on the fickleness of popular opinion, the highs of public praise will be soon followed by the dreary lows of public scorn.
What’s the source of your affirmation?
Posted by Chris Lewis 