1 Ne. 6:5; Heb. 6:4-6; Alma 46:21; Morm. 8:38; Rom. 1:16; 2 Tim. 1:8; Prov. 23:17; Mal. 3:14-15; 1 Cor. 7:31; D&C 60:2; 121:33-36; refer in this text to Mosiah 17:11-13; Alma 39:4
“What young musician, after years of agonizing rehearsal was finally scheduled to debut in a capacity concert hall, would, while en route to the performance, stop to join a long line forming at the latest hit movie, forgetting the thousands of people waiting to hear her? What world-class runner, after training for well over a decade, would find himself in the Olympic finals, only to stop running halfway through his race to watch the high-jump finals taking place on the other side of the field? These examples may seem preposterous—but how much more tragic for someone who, equipped with a testimony of the truth and a knowledge of the purpose of life, becomes more absorbed in life today than in life forever. Who’s just a little more concerned about his or her status and standing in mortality than in eternity. Whose focus is not directed to God the Father and his Son, Jesus Christ.” (Marvin J. Ashton, Ensign, Nov. 1992, p. 23)
“So let us have patience and faith as did Lehi who saw pointing fingers of scorn directed at those who grasped the iron rod, which rod, ironically, some of those same fingers once grasped. But, said Lehi, ‘we heeded them not.’ So it should be with us! Brothers and sisters, being pointed in the right direction, we do not need to worry about being pointed at!” (Neal A. Maxwell, Ensign, Nov. 1993, p. 20)
“I do not want ‘Mormonism’ to become popular… . I would rather pass through all the misery and sorrow, the troubles and trials of the Saints, than to have the religion of Christ become popular with the world… . Take a straightforward course, and meet the jeers and frowns of the wicked.” (Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses 10:297)
“Being popular can become narcotic. We can come to crave it and to need the frequent ‘fixes’ brought by the world’s praise and caresses of recognition. A turned head bows much less easily. Popularity is dangerous especially because it focuses us on ourselves rather than keeping us attentive to the needs of others. We become preoccupied with self and with being noticed, letting those in real need ‘pass by’ us, and we ‘notice them not’ (Morm. 8:39)… . To like being liked for its own sake is unhealthy. Similarly, overmuch concern with public image can cause us to rearrange priorities rather than striving to have Jesus’ image in our countenance (see Alma 5:14,19)… . The narrow and straight way that leads to salvation, alas, is the path less traveled by. Hence, there is no way we can both move with the herd and also move toward Jesus. Nevertheless, there are some who try to serve the Lord without offending the devil… . Firm followers of Jesus, therefore, will not be mere chameleons—adapting their colors to match the ever-changing circumstances by simply blending in.” (Neal A. Maxwell, Ensign, Mar. 1995, p. 15)
“You have fears about being accepted. You worry about being popular in your age-group. It is natural to want to belong. Recently I heard of a good man who, after being married in the temple and having four children, fell away from the Church. His physical appearance became shabby and his demeanor sad as he became a drug addict, an alcoholic, and then a chain-smoker. He continued in this destructive lifestyle for many years. However, in time, … he eventually started on the long road back. One of the proudest days in his life came when he once again qualified for a temple recommend. Looking back on those bad years, he later admitted, ‘All I ever wanted was to belong.’ Seeking acceptance from the wrong source brought untold misery and pain.” (James E. Faust, Ensign, Nov. 1997, p. 43)