One mode by which the enemy succeeds against a soul is popularity. Balaam devised this mode of entrapping and overcoming Israel after they had left the wilderness and were in the vigor of a new generation about to enter the land. It is important to note that whenever Satan uses a new stratagem, it is the one most likely to ensnare his intended victim in the advance he has made. The aim of the world is now to flatter the people of God. They are invited to join them in social life. Woe be to the Christian when he stands so well with the world that he can be received socially. The man of God could not be popular with the man of the world. The great proof of power in a heavenly man, as typified by Israel in Canaan, is that he is an exterminator of the old inhabitant. The man in the flesh is allowed no place.
Hence no one can be popular either in ministry or socially but he must in some way compromise the truth of God. Alas, they find "that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell" (Pro. 9:1818But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell. (Proverbs 9:18)). In this world where the Christian naturally expects opposition, it is not to be wondered at that any measure of acceptance is hailed with pleasure. Surely the enemy expected that he would have beguiled Paul and Silas when the woman with the spirit of divination so favorably proclaimed them.
The more popular a servant of God is, the less the measure of truth he enjoys and declares. The danger of popularity is that, like Israel, I become corrupted by the very element which commends me. The man who ministers to the human element in others, and thus calls forth commendation, is sure to increase that element in himself to his sore loss and sorrow.