The Dangers of Popularity: One Year Bible Reading for May 19

 Today we read from these verses in the One Year Bible:

1 Samuel 24:1-25:44
John 10:22-42
Psalm 116:1-19
Proverbs 15:20-21

Let's look at John. The Jews gather around Jesus in the Temple and say, "Tell us straight out, right now. Are you the Messiah??" And Jesus says, "I told you already, but you don't believe Me because you're not my sheep."

So many things to learn from that. For example, we want to strive to be His sheep, right? If you wonder if you are, ask Him to make you one of His sheep and He will. 

But another thing to learn is this: Jesus was not trying to get people to follow Him. He wasn't trying to gather "as many as possible" to become His followers. In fact, He did and said things that DIScouraged people from following Him - and then He didn't "take it back" when they said "This is too hard! Who can listen to this? We're out of here!" (See John 6:66 for details)

I think that's something we should learn from Him. That even though we write books, or make paintings, or write and sing songs, or produce whatever art you're talented enough to make... even though we're doing these things, we shouldn't change what God gives us to do and say in order to attract more of an audience. If you're on Tiktok, you know the struggle to "get more followers". And the temptation to go along with the latest craze, even if you don't like it personally, is pretty strong. 

But be true to who God made you, and people will be attracted to the genuine you. Don't worry about reaching everyone. Your sheep will recognize your voice.

God, thanks for teaching us to be true to ourselves and not worry too much about followers.