Romans 14:14-18 NKJV

[14] I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. [15] Yet if your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy (with your food), the one for whom Christ died. [16] Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil; [17] for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. [18] For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men.

For years, I really never cared what anyone thought of me. If you liked me, great! If not, that wasn't my problem. I never lost sleep over how someone felt about me. I wasn't about to waste time or energy pursuing anyone's approval. End of story.

I still do not worry about popularity. My life doesn't revolve around how I am viewed or accepted. I try to treat people the way I want to be treated. I do my best to do the right thing. If that isn't enough, it was never worth worrying about to start with.

As I strive to serve God better, I have come to the realization that I am supposed to be the walking, talking example of Jesus. I don't have to live to please others, but I have an obligation to carry myself in a way that honors God. I can't do that and intentionally do or say things that would cause other people to lose faith in God because of my behavior. People are watching. I have to make sure they see more of Jesus than me.