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Resisting the Pull of Popularity

Part 4 in the “Back Side of the Desert” series for ministry leaders who feel wrung out, stressed out or burned out

Many churches are filled with worshippers who seek not intimacy with God, but safety in their comfort zones. They want leaders who will keep them there.

This is exactly what the children of Israel did. When the people withdrew from the mountain where Moses was, God appointed another leader, Aaron. God told Moses, “Get down and then come up, you and Aaron with you” (Exodus.19:24, NKJV). Aaron’s leadership differed from Moses’. Aaron decided not to go to the mountain, but to remain with the people. He was more comfortable there, as seen in his continually retreating back to the camp. The people saw in Aaron a leadership that would not pressure them into pursuing a faith walk to the mountain.

Now when the people saw that Moses delayed coming down from the mountain, the people gathered together with Aaron, and said to him, “Come, make us gods that shall go before us, for as this Moses, the man who brought us up from the land of Egypt , we do not know what has become of him.” (Exodus 32:1 NKJV) Sounds like a committee meeting held in the back room of many churches.

Aaron compromised true ministry for popularity and power

While Aaron had an obvious gift for leadership, it was not accompanied by a reflection of character, commitment and integrity toward the things of God. Aaron succumbed to the pressures of the people. Exodus 32:2 tells us he told them to break off the golden earrings which were in their ears and bring them to him! He catered to what they wanted to worship: the image of an animal. The people began to worship this idol and sin evolved. By the time Moses came to them, Scripture tells us they were unrestrained (Exodus 32:25).

Today we still worship idols built around the god of our day – self and self-seeking pleasures. We as the church flirt dangerously close to the edge, dabbling, until many are enveloped in sin. Worse, we become so deceived we worship what we think to be God when in reality God has no part in it.

Will you choose Moses’ style or Aaron’s?

As a leader do you seek the approval of people rather than follow God’s truth? Is your focus to bring those who follow your leadership into a more intimate relationship with God? Is there any manipulation, deceit or in your leadership? Do you allow God to do the impossible, improbable or unpredictable? Are you willing to move from Aaron’s leadership style to Moses’?

Spend some time asking yourself these questions and allowing God to renew your spirit. He will direct your focus and amaze you with His awesome love. This after all is the gift we were meant to share.

Read other articles in the "Back Side of the Desert" series
Part 1: Why you need more than a calling
Part 2: Don't miss your appointment
Part 3: Go to the mountain, even if you have to go alone

Joyce Simmons is an ordained minister, author and conference speaker with Dynamic Family Ministries. Through  The Simmons Group, she and her husband , Bill. continue to encourage and challenge pastors and leaders through total ministry development campaigns.