One day last week, as I spent time in prayer and reflection, I felt the Lord speak something profound to my heart: “Just because they’re popular in your eyes doesn’t mean they’re popular with me. Don’t be fooled by what you see.”
The weight of this statement settled deeply in my spirit, challenging my perspective on what it means to be significant, valuable, and “approved.” In our world, popularity often equates to influence. We celebrate those with the loudest voices, the most followers, or the brightest spotlights. But God’s kingdom operates on a very different set of values.
Popular in Whose Eyes?
It’s easy to measure worth by the standards of this world: fame, wealth, or success. Social media algorithms and societal norms push us to admire what’s visible and celebrated. But God looks beyond the surface. As Scripture reminds us in 1 Samuel 16:7, “The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
That word challenged me to consider: how often do I admire what God has no regard for? How often am I drawn to people or things that might shine outwardly but lack the internal qualities that God values—integrity, humility, and love?
The Danger of Being Fooled
God’s warning wasn’t just about others; it was about my own heart. He reminded me how easy it is to be deceived by appearances. What looks successful might not be faithful. What seems admirable might not align with God’s truth. This is a sobering reality because it means we must constantly discern and weigh what we see against the light of God’s word.
This isn’t just a call to scrutinize others but to evaluate our own motives. Am I striving for popularity in the eyes of people or faithfulness in the eyes of God?
Kingdom Values Over Worldly Applause
The truth is, God’s measure of greatness often goes unnoticed by the world. It’s the quiet acts of kindness, the unseen prayers, the faithfulness in small things that catch His attention. Jesus Himself modeled this. He wasn’t the type of Messiah people expected. He wasn’t born in a palace, didn’t seek fame, and often avoided the crowds. Yet, He changed the world forever.
When we seek God’s approval above all else, we align ourselves with His kingdom values. These values call us to love when it’s hard, to serve without recognition, and to trust God even when we don’t understand His ways.
Staying Grounded
So how do we avoid being fooled by what we see?
1. Seek God’s Perspective: Spend time in prayer and the Word, asking God to help you see things as He does.
2. Check Your Heart: Regularly examine your motives and ask, “Am I seeking to please God or people?”
3. Value What God Values: Celebrate humility, faithfulness, and love over charisma or worldly success.
4. Stay Accountable: Surround yourself with people who will remind you to prioritize God’s approval above all else.
Closing Thought
God’s reminder to me last week was a call to refocus. Popularity in the eyes of the world means nothing if it doesn’t align with God’s purposes. As believers, we’re called to live for an audience of One, prioritizing His truth over the applause of the crowd. Let’s not be fooled by what we see, but instead, trust in the unseen values of God’s kingdom—the ones that truly matter for eternity.
More Grace,
APTG
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