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Popularity?

Here’s a confession… actually no, I’m going to own this, no confession needed… I love a good musical. Don’t get me wrong, I’d like to think I’m quite discerning, there are plenty of not-so-good musicals out there, but when you land on that one that is musically accomplished, emotionally stirring and sociologically/theologically/politically provocative (in a positive way) who can honestly say they’re not moved?

One of my favourites, is Wicked. I know, some say it’s an obvious choice, a little too popular to take seriously, but I love it. The story of a misfit, self-conscious, young woman looking for a way to fit in before embracing what makes her unique, what’s not to love (yes, I know there’s so much more to it than that – but there’s no time here). One of the quirkier, ear-worm songs in that musical is called “Popular”. It’s fairly early on in the story and is sung by the “pretty”, prom queen type witch, Glinda the Good, who has decided to make the misfit green witch, Elphaba, her “project” and sings this advice…

Popular!

It’s all about popular

It’s not about aptitude

It’s the way you’re viewed

So it’s very shrewd to be

Very very popular

Like me!

It makes you wince doesn’t it. So distasteful. So untrue. So damaging. And yet, everywhere I look, popularity contests are still cropping up all over society. Much of my role in the BU relates to the way our churches engage politically and even if you only have the slightest interest in politics you will have heard people talking about how populism has infected western culture, Donald Trump, often referred to as the archetypal populist politician. Confidence over character, simple lies instead of complex truths, exaggerated claims of representing “the will of the people”, empty promises, all in the hope of staying popular and powerful. It’s not about aptitude, it’s the way your viewed…

But it’s not just politics is it. It’s in the playground, it’s in competitive work environments, it’s in celebrity culture, and yes, some might well argue, it can infiltrate our churches. Not just in those heart-breaking, rise and fall stories of popular Christian leaders, but also in diaconates and in members meetings – those who position themselves alongside those who can hand them power and amplify their loud confident voices. I feel certain you could bring to mind someone whose self-confidence has spilt over into self-righteousness, or who has twisted their gifts and talents to draw attention to themselves instead of God. I know this isn’t the case in all our churches, and for that I praise God, but I’ve heard more stories of this kind of behaviour than I can ignore.

But the truth is, none of us are immune, many of us have some tendencies towards populism. Even if it’s just a seedling thought of, “I like to be liked”. Most of us hold it in check, most of us know that to indulge in that temptation is to betray God’s call on us to be humble, to be content with who we are, and to remain under God’s mighty hand, the God who, in the fulness of time will lift us up (1 Peter 5:6).

I pray so hard against populism in politics. I want leaders who are motivated by the interests of others, especially those who are downtrodden and oppressed or overlooked, but I have started to pray just as hard for our churches. That they will be led by those who exemplify love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control – that fruit that grows in the soil of humility. I pray for more of those John the Baptist types in our congregations and leadership teams, who live by the mantra, “He must increase, I must decrease” – perhaps you will join me in that prayer this week, and when you notice those who embody your prayers answered, encourage them, not to massage their ego or their need to be popular, they won’t thank you for that, but just to recognize, name and affirm those glimpses of Christ’s face reflected in his people.

Bless you all as you act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with our God.

The thought this week was written by Steve Tinning, Baptist Union Public Issues Enabler