The Bible has a lot to say about the issue of popularity and fame. While being well-known and influential is not inherently wrong, Scripture warns about the dangers and temptations that often accompany popularity.
One of the most common themes in the Bible regarding popularity is the warning against pride and arrogance. When someone becomes popular, they may be tempted to see themselves as better or more important than others. Several passages talk about the importance of humility and caution against pride that can arise from fame and adoration.
“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18)
“For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.” (Romans 12:3)
The Bible encourages introspection to guard against pride. Popularity can be fleeting, so it should not be the basis of our identity and self-worth. Practicing humility and regularly examining our attitudes and motivations can help keep us grounded when encountering success or acclaim.
Another common warning in Scripture about popularity is the danger of conforming to the patterns and behaviors of the world. There can be great pressure to compromise one’s values or convictions in order to gain more positive regard and fame. But the Bible tells us not to follow the crowd:
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2)
“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)
As followers of Christ, our primary motivation should be living to please God rather than seeking the approval and praise of people. Popularity based on disobedience to God or unrighteous living brings no true or lasting benefit.
The Bible also warns about the loneliness and isolation that can sometimes accompany being well-known and admired. Jesus drew huge crowds during his ministry on earth, and yet he still knew the sorrow of being misunderstood and abandoned by even his closest friends and followers in his time of greatest need.
“Jesus answered them, ‘Do you now believe? Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone.'” (John 16:31-32)
King Solomon had wealth, power, and recognition unparalleled in his generation, and yet he still reflected on the loneliness and hollowness of fame separated from deep relationships and spiritual roots.
“Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 2:11)
Even positive popularity and influence can distance people from real connections. The busier and more in-demand someone becomes, the less opportunity for quietness, thoughtful reflection, and intimate friendships apart from the crowd.
While the Bible does not condemn all popularity and influence, it does contain many warnings about its unique temptations and tendencies to distract from what is most important. Some key principles that emerge include:
- Maintain humility rather than pride
- Seek to please God rather than people
- Value intimate relationships and God over acclaim and crowds
- Remember that popularity does not define a person’s worth or identity
- Be grounded in God’s Word and truth rather than changing values of society
The Bible encourages wise stewardship of any fame and visibility God grants, using it as a platform for eternal purposes rather than selfish gain. With the right perspective and motivations, popularity can be leveraged for good without corroding one’s character and values.
Several biblical figures model good stewardship of prominence and influence. Joseph rose to power in Egypt while staying faithful to God and using his position to help save lives (Genesis 41-50).
Queen Esther risked her life for her people by leveraging her access to the king (Esther 4:12-16). Daniel maintained his devotion to God even while rising to the top levels of government in a foreign kingdom (Daniel 1-6).
The New Testament also gives instructions for those in positions of influence within the church (1 Timothy 3:1-13, Titus 1:5-9), emphasizing servanthood and character rather than power or prestige.
Jesus himself is the ultimate model for using influence well. Although he could have achieved instant renown by flaunting his power and status as God’s Son, he instead chose the path of servanthood, sacrifice, and submission to the Father (Philippians 2:5-11). His popularity among the people grew as a result of the way he taught, lived, and loved.
While Jesus did not shy away from the crowds who followed him, he refused to pander to them or curry favor at the cost of truth. He withdrew from the spotlight regularly to pray and invest in his disciples. During the triumphal entry into Jerusalem that we now celebrate as Palm Sunday, Jesus deliberately chose to enter not on a war horse but on a donkey, a picture of meekness (Matthew 21:1-11, Zechariah 9:9).
Even in his earthly ministry Jesus modeled that godly influence requires humility, integrity, and an others-focused agenda. The Bible makes it clear that fame or visibility in and of itself is morally neutral. The worthy pursuit is developing a Christlike character marked by selflessness, wisdom, and service – popularity and “success” may or may not follow as a byproduct.
There are occasions in Scripture when individuals righteous before God became known and respected far and wide. For example, Genesis 12 and 13 record how Abram (later renamed Abraham) left Haran and set out by faith to the land promised to him by God. In that foreign land, Abram’s increasing wealth and reputation caused the surrounding peoples to hold him in high regard:
Genesis 13:2 – Now Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold.
Genesis 23:6 – “Hear us, my lord; you are a prince of God among us.”
Yet Scripture makes clear that Abram’s growing influence was not his ultimate aim. Abram’s priority was living by faith in God’s promises, not seeking status or fame. In fact, Abram regularly gave up his own comforts and rights out of deference to his nephew Lot and others.
Later in Genesis, Joseph rose from slave to prime minister of Egypt, becoming hugely powerful and influential. Yet he maintained humility before God, using his position to provide for those suffering from famine. His brothers had sold him into slavery out of jealousy over the favor he found in his father’s eyes. When given the opportunity, Joseph forgave his brothers and acted to support them in a time of need rather than taking vengeance (Genesis 50:15-21).
These and other examples from Scripture make it clear that fame, in and of itself, is not presented as evil or virtuous. Popularity becomes problematic when it leads to pridefulness, greed, abuse of power, or compromise of values. Being unknown among people but faithful to God’s calling is always preferable to fame gained unrighteously or used for selfish ends.
The book of Ecclesiastes also contains insightful warnings about the emptiness of pursuing fame for fame’s sake. The Teacher reflects on the striving after power, pleasure, and possessions he witnessed. In the end, he concluded that a life lived under the sun pursuing fleeting things like renown and recognition is meaningless compared to the fear of the Lord.
Ecclesiastes 2:16 – For of the wise as of the fool there is no enduring remembrance, seeing that in the days to come all will have been long forgotten. How the wise dies just like the fool!
This penetrating observation provides an important perspective on the fleeting nature of popularity and the limits of what it can provide. Those who have walked closely with God have often been content with obscurity during their earthly lives, keeping their eyes on eternal rewards.
As Jesus’ own life demonstrated profoundly, the most enduring legacy comes through sacrificial service and investing in things of eternal significance. Pouring ourselves into pursuit of recognition and renown often leaves us empty-handed in the end.
The New Testament also contains wisdom for those who find themselves in positions of prominence and visibility. Leaders in the early church were instructed not to be domineering but rather to model humility and servanthood (1 Peter 5:1-5).
Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus outline the importance of godly character for those in leadership roles, emphasizing integrity over charisma or talent (1 Timothy 3:1-13, Titus 1:5-9). And Jesus himself modeled servant leadership that placed others’ needs before his own glorification (Mark 10:42-45).
In summary, the Bible does not condemn all pursuit of excellence or influence over human affairs. Yet it contains profound wisdom regarding the temptations that accompany popularity and public recognition. Wise stewardship requires intentional cultivation of humility, integrity, and an others-focused mindset. The ultimate goal is living for God’s glory rather than our own.
Rather than chasing after fame, we are called to chase after righteousness. Any visibility or human praise that results should be redirected toward eternal purposes. Our lives are but mist, but those anchored in Christ and invested in the Kingdom leave a legacy that endures forever.
