The allure of popularity is strong. There’s a sense of safety in numbers, and going along with the crowd often seems like the wise course of action. Can something be truly wrong when there’s a general consensus that it’s good? However tempting otherwise true wisdom reminds us that good is not the same as popular.
Of course, there’s no need to be contrarian just for the sake of being different. Many things are popular for a reason. And we must be humble enough to consider the potential of this collective wisdom.
At the same time, Jesus reminds us that the path leading to death is broad and many find it, while the path to life is narrow and is only found by a few. Without discernment, simply following popular trends puts us on the path of death.
The way of wisdom considers the fruit being produced by a tree and not where the tree ranks in opinion polls. Sometimes good fruit is popular. But its goodness is not determined by how well it’s liked. Its goodness is judged by its reflection of God’s true goodness and life.
For instance, it’s popular to speak our minds and say whatever we want in the name of authenticity. But love calls for us to filter our words and speak only what builds others up. It’s popular to look out for our own interests while neglecting others. But love calls for us to love our neighbors, and even our enemies. Likewise, it’s popular to blame others for life’s circumstances. But love calls us to take responsibility for the choices we can make all the same.
Whatever it looks like, we must go beyond mere approval ratings to discern what is truly good. While it’s insightful to know popular trends, this should not be the determining factor in deciding which path we should follow.
In the end, pursue true goodness without falling for merely what’s popular. These are not always the same. And the difference could be a matter of life or death.
