DON'T BE SWAYED BY THE CROWD

It is remarkable that so many, even of professing Christians, are content to go with the crowd in the wrong direction in so many things or when a matter arises, notwithstanding the admonition against such in the Scriptures. Sometimes, it could be either following a wrong counsel or perverting anything related to justice.

Reference: Exodus 23:2 New Living Translation (NLT) '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.'

Majority rule may work well in politics, entertainment, and the circular world, and but when it comes to the things of God, it may not always work. As Christians, we don't just follow the multitudes in everything, rather we do what is right according to the Word of God. And in life, there are but only two ways or form of distinction - right and wrong, good and evil; narrow and broad; heaven and hell; godly and the ungodly. There is no middle place in life. Therefore, as wise people, we are expected to consider the best option or choice.

Matthew 7:13-14 (NIV) reads, 'Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.' The way that leads to destruction is the way of sin and sinners, and the gate is wide, and stands open. Men go in at this gate because they're controlled by lust of the flesh and eyes, and the pride of life; it gives no check to appetites or passions. It's a broad way and there is a large company in this way because its a choice fuelled by sinful desires.

The way to eternal life is narrow. Its not just a narrow path, it has a good ending. However it is often taken or followed by few. It is the path of righteousness and you begin to journey in this path, when you get born again. It leads to life and it presents the favour of God, plus it produces eternal bliss. In John 3:3, Jesus replied Nicodemus saying, 'Truly I tell you, unless someone is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God (CSB).' When you are born again, you come into this narrow path which many don't like to pursue, except they have a personal encounter with Christ.

Narrow path also means doing certain things in a certain manner, which the crowd or majority are not likely to attempt. These include having a different mindset, working on specific projects, pursuing certain ideas and dreams which many despise. When you're led by the Spirit of God, you could be moved to do things many don't want to do and you would be able to get results many have failed to get. You do the uncommon and enjoy the uncommon results. There is always a difference between a divine direction and a general opinion. And people can take a divine counsel as foolish because it is never meant for everyone. However, when you act on it and it works, the same crowd will suddenly change their confession.

David was considered to be out of his mind when he suggested to fight the giant - Goliath (see 1 Samuel 17). He took an uncommon step and later enjoyed uncommon results. The fact that it has never been done before doesn't mean it cannot be done. If you keep doing common things, you'll keep getting common results. Refuse to be common. You are not ordinary. Don't be quick to go by public opinion. Do the right thing and follow the Spirit's guidance, even if majority doesn't endorsed it.

God made each one of us to be unique. That's the reason David wrote in Psalm 139:14 saying, 'I will praise you; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made..' Therefore acknowledge your uniqueness and never be tossed to and fro by the waves of the crowd.

Golden News today: Don't be swayed by everything that comes from the multitudes, instead live by what the Word says.

Scripture Reading - Psalm 16:11; Isaiah 35:8; Proverbs 8:20; Matthew 22:14.

Exuberant Declaration: I refuse to be ordinary, rather I choose to do things differently according to the leading of the Spirit. I am a success and I enjoy the fruit of good success now and always. Hallelujah!