In this passage Jesus illustrates for us how we are to live – how we are to relate to people we work with and people we go to school with and people in our relationships. We are not on this planet to be popular. It is not our ambition to make a name for ourselves. People will relate to us as they want but our purpose and our commitment should be to follow the will of our God.
When we choose to value popularity and acceptance over Christ, we will always compromise truth. God’s plan for us is always in conflict with the worlds. “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” (1 John 2:15, ESV). The most important question that arises from this text is found through the words of Paul:
“For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God?” (Galatians 1:10a, ESV)
