Theme of the Day: Popularity Is Not Proof Of Success
In 2009, Facebook added the “like” button. That same year, Twitter added the “retweet” feature. Interestingly, reported cases of depression began to rise sharply in 2010. It is easy to think that the more people like us, the more successful our lives must be. Likewise, it is easy to believe the more people like a church, the more successful that church is. So here is an important epiphany for both individuals and churches. Popularity is not proof of success.
Though there will be times when Christ’s gospel and those who proclaim it are popular, that popularity is never the goal. Nor does that popularity define success. If a church makes its central focus things like personal improvement, healing for the sick, or social justice, that church may draw a crowd. It just fails to carry out the true agenda Christ has given his Church. The gospel of forgiveness is to be the center of all our preaching and teaching. The agenda for Christ’s Church is set. It’s the same agenda that was followed by the Church’s Christ.
Luke 4:38-44
Jeremiah 1:4-10
2 Timothy 3:14-4:5
Psalm 71B
908 – Go Forth and Preach the Gospel
901 – O Christians, Haste
707 – Cling Tightly to the Word of God O COME
981 – In This Place Your Word Is Planted
874 – Preserve Your Word, O Savior
Prayer of the Day: Almighty and everlasting God, look with mercy on our weaknesses, and in all our dangers and needs stretch out the right hand of your majesty to help and defend us; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia. I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God, because that is why I was sent. Alleluia.