Siding With The Truth Only
“You must not follow the crowd in doing wrong. When you are called to testify in a dispute, do not be swayed by the crowd to twist justice"(Exodus 23:2).
It is often so easy to fall into the wrong by simply believing what someone may have said or following some practice without having verified the truthfulness thereof (Acts 19:32). some time ago, a very good friend of mine related to me how he innocently followed a group of his friends in committing a serious crime.
During the commission of the crime, he did not consider it a crime or serious enough that it could lead to imprisonment. Being 18 years at the time, the reality and severity of the crime only dawned on him when he was arrested. The brother recalled that when he stepped into prison, he felt that he lost his innocence and that every dream of being a good person and a responsible person has been taken away from him. What hurts him the most he said, although the crime was committed and initiated by his friends, he was the only one left in prison to face the consequences. Now for the few months, he spends in jail he realized that his 'innocent' decision to follow and participate in a crime unquestionably, almost led him to receive a criminal record which would have contributed to him leading a destructive life.
Furthermore, having been a non-believer when he was incarcerated, the brother was enticed to faith in God when he looked at the drawing of two white doves and the image of praying hands while in there. He could still vividly remember a dream from God about two strong bulls and two raindrops that fell beside him which he shared with one of his inmates who rightly gave him a correct interpretation that he was going to be released and discharged from prison and it happened that way. God used his faith to save his friends from prison as well (Genesis 40:13-23).
The Dangers Of Crowd Influences
Brethren, the story above is true in every respect. We need to realize that God is always judging us as individuals for our actions (Genesis 3:14-19), while we might be hiding behind the crowds to engage in evil behavior our participation will be judged by our intentions. It is easy to simply just agree to please others, remember when we know right from wrong we will be held accountable so think before you say something or decide to join in some activity or discussion, the Lord see the contribution of your intention(s) (1 Corinthians 4:5; Romans 2:16). As it was, Korah, Dathan, and Abiram took many 'innocent' souls with them when they rebelled against Moses and Aaron (Numbers 16:4-35).
Similarly, when the Spies returned from spying out Canaan, only Joshua and Caleb gave a good report while 10 men sowed fear, discord, and rebellion which resulted in countless people losing out on entering the promised land while facing God's judgment in the desert (Numbers 13:26-33;14:1-45). It is therefore in the nature of evil men and women to sow divisions in a community or country to advance their own interests, but discerning and praying men and women of God should always be led by the common good of all which discourages any form of evil intent.
In conclusion, let us guard against crowd influences and pray for discernment before we join in a discussion on social media or in some action. If our contribution is to impress or show off and so fanning the flames of hatred God will 'sift' our contribution out and accordingly retribute (Colossians 3:25). As Christians, we are called to pray and to provide Godly counsel to our leaders and fellow men in society (Jeremiah 38:14-23; Acts 27:21-26). Let us act with sober judgment in our decisions, salvation is precious!
Blessed Grace
Brother Glenn
