Acts 14:12, 19
Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes because he was the chief speaker. . . Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead.
I would like to let you in on a little secret. You probably are well aware of this truth, but I want to share it anyway—popularity is fleeting and fickle. Popularity polls can reverse in such a moment of time that it takes your breath away.
Some of the most tragic counseling sessions I have ever experienced were with people who had placed their confidence in what others thought of them. When the fickle finger of fame turned away from them, they were devastated.
Paul repeatedly received the accolades from crowds who even elevated him to the position of a god. Even when he protested their adoration, they proclaimed their faith in him and the God he preached. That lasted until trouble makers arrived and, suddenly, he was stoned and left for dead. There has never been a time in my life when I experienced anything of this sort, but I have had those who professed to be faithful friends turn against me.
In prayer and contemplation I have found comfort in the life that Paul lived. He never sought applause or popularity from the people. He only wanted to be faithful to his Lord so that one day he would hear the words that really count: “Well done, good and faithful servant!” That is the way I want to live.
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
—Pastor Cecil