Popularity

1 Nephi 22:23

For the time speedily shall come that all churches which are built up to get gain, and all those who are built up to get power over the flesh, and those who are built up to become popular in the eyes of the world, and those who seek the lusts of the flesh and the things of the world, and to do all manner of iniquity; yea, in fine, all those who belong to the kingdom of the devil are they who need fear, and tremble, and quake; they are those who must be brought low in the dust; they are those who must be consumed as stubble; and this is according to the words of the prophet.

Pride is a strong motivator for the natural man. It is one of the three temptations Satan used to try to destroy the Savior in the wilderness after His baptism. Popularity--what others think of us--is a temptation few can resist. The great and abominable church uses popularity like currency. If we look at social media influencers today, we see how fame and popularity are the ultimate goal for those consumed by egotism and narcissism. Yet fame is so fleeting. It can cost us everything to acquire, yet be stripped away in a single moment. 

The only popularity we need to concern ourselves with is popularity with God. The good news is, God already loves us. We don't have to do much to be popular in His eyes. Unlike the fickle followers of social media influencers, God forgives easily. He is merciful and kind, generous with His praise and always willing to give us second and third chances. It's not hard to be popular with God, and ultimately, it is only His opinion that matters.

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