Article January 22, 1966 Issue

What Price Popularity!

[Of Special Interest to Young Men and Women]

JANE KIRK HUNTLEY

Does the one who leaves all for Christ have to be lonely and un-companioned? Definitely not. One who studies the Science of Christianity discovers a truer sense of companionship with none of the bondage and fear that accompany friendship when it is insecurely based on conformity to current fashions. Everyone has respect for right, firm convictions, and respect is the first step toward approval and affection. But no one admires a hypocrite, and society is quick to detect and discount one who professes certain standards but does not hold to them.

The question should be, How much of the true qualities of friendship do we express? not, How exactly do we do as others do? When we stop being concerned about outward impressions and pat our whole effort into bringing out from within such qualities as generosity, kindness, thoughtfulness, wit and humor, understanding, fidelity, enthusiasm, and the like, we are reaching out to others in a constructive way. This is bound to lead to friends and good times.

It is, for instance, generally believed in so-called sophisticated circles that smoking and drinking make a young person more popular. It is easy to see this smoke screen of error for what it is. Can the use of tobacco or alcohol possibly give one the qualities that make him or her more attractive and companionable—joy, vivacity, dependability, warmth, beauty, appreciation, and so on? Such qualities are expressed more effectively only as one draws closer to God, the source of all good, and learns that these qualities belong to man as God's image and likeness. Any artificial stimulation will not satisfy the need for joy or enthusiasm.

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