Numbers & Popularity (1)

Numbers & Popularity (1)
Tim Haile

In the physical realm, there is often safety in numbers. We witness this in the animal kingdom with “herd” animals. Dangers come for the animal that ventures too far away from the herd. Humans understand this safety principle as well. We teach youths the “buddy-system.” We tell them to not separate from their “group” when they are in places of potential danger. We instruct them to stay with their friends, and not travel alone. In illustrating the importance of “counting the cost” of discipleship, Jesus cited the example of a king comparing the number of his own soldiers to the number of his enemy (Luke 14:31,32). This is how one must think in the physical realm, but what about the spiritual realm? Does spiritual safety come from numbers? Does numerical “might” make “right” in religion? Sadly, the religious world reveals that many people believe that it does. In the denominational world, this is clearly seen in the growing popularity of the mega-church movement. Members of such churches exchange their doctrinal convictions for the experience of being a member of a large church. We are witnessing the same mentality in non-denominational churches. I know some churches of Christ that have grown in numbers, but only because they have loosened their stance against various forms of error. They refuse to involve themselves in controversial issues. They refuse to speak out against certain errors on the basis that those errors are being promoted by well-liked, “popular” preachers. Such ignoring of doctrinal purity, and such blind acceptance of false teachers is not without terrible consequences: The apostle John said that by refusing to abide in the doctrine of Christ, and by receiving those who refuse to bring the doctrine of Christ, one loses his own fellowship with God (2 John 9-11). Emphasis on numbers and popularity can lead to spiritual damnation.

“Popularity” has become a driving force in religion, and many people see no danger in this connection. Our English word “popular” comes from the Latin word “popularis,” meaning “of the people.” Perhaps you have noticed the word “popular” in the Latin word for “people” (populus). The problem for religionists who are focused on popularity is that religious beliefs and practices descend, not “from the people,” but from God. The “inspired” Scriptures are what “thoroughly furnish us to every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16,17). What the “majority” says or does is irrelevant in consideration of such matters. With respect to things that are legislated by God, the so-called “conventional wisdom” of men is insignificant. After all, human wisdom pales in comparison to God’s wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:25; Isaiah 55:8,9). In the spiritual realm, humans cannot correctly “direct their own steps” (Jeremiah 10:23). God’s people are told to “be not conformed to this world” and to not be “friends” of the world (Romans 12:1; James 4:4). It is not the purpose of God’s people to be “approved” by the world, but to be approved by God (2 Timothy 2:15). In our next study we will consider some Scriptures that will help us to understand why we must not look to numbers and human popularity if we are to please God.

Please join us for worship and Bible study at our building located at 125 Hilltopper Ave, Bowling Green, KY 42101. We meet each Sunday at 10:00AM and 6:00PM for worship, and Sundays at 9:00AM and Wednesdays at 7:00PM for Bible study. Our radio program is aired each Sunday morning at 8:00AM on the WKCT 930AM band. Phone: (270) 842-2049 – Email: parkwaychurch@yahoo.com or timhaile@mac.com.

Tim Haile, for the Parkway Church of Christ