Most people desire to be popular. We define such popularity as--being liked, admired, appreciated, respected, and honored by others. We feel popular when other people imitate us, ask us for our opinion, and make us the center of attention. However, none of these things are actually part of the definition of being popular. The word, "popular," comes from a Latin word meaning, "belonging to the people."
Based on the Latin meaning of the word, Jesus was very popular. He clearly understood that His life was not His own, but rather, it was for the people. He continually poured out His life for others, letting Himself be spent by the demands of the crowds around Him. Over and over again, "a large number of people came to him," and Jesus ministered to them (Mark 3:8). This is what it means to be popular--not to be the center of other people's attention and honor, but rather, to understand that we belong to other people and let ourselves be spent for them.
Take two minutes to tell God what stirs in your heart when you read this Latin understanding of the word "popular." In what way is God calling you into popularity right now in your life?
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