BEFORE YOU FOLLOW THE CROWD

Matthew 7:13 WEB
Enter in by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter in by it.

Dear Believer,

I remember an unfortunate incidence today. On January 27 in the year 2002, a massive explosion rocked a part of Ikeja in Lagos, Nigeria. It generated an earth tremor which caused some houses miles away to collapse. Fear descended on people.

The cause of the explosion wasn’t immediately known, so people rushed out in panic.

Since it was getting dark and people didn’t know what was going on, most people ran after a crowd they saw moving towards a particular direction. As they ran, they reached a certain canal. The people at the front of the crowd realized too late that they were in danger and wanted to turn back, but the press of humanity behind them didn’t let them. They were pushed into the canal.

Those coming behind saw the crowd moving forward, not realizing that they were falling and drowning in the canal. They pressed on. That night, well over 1000 drowned — men, women, children.

This is an unfortunate example, and I’m sorry I’m using it today. But let its seriousness and sensitive nature underscore the importance of my message. DO NOT FOLLOW THE CROWD UNLESS YOU KNOW THEY ARE GOING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.

The majority is not always right. Some very large gatherings or a very big cause supported by the majority can be based on a lie. In fact, that is exactly how many will end up in hell.

God said to the Israelites:

Exodus 23:2 ISV
You are not to follow the majority in doing wrong, and you are not to testify in a lawsuit so as to follow the majority and pervert justice.

What I’ve noticed these days is that the consciences of many are weak and their convictions shallow. When they see or hear the majority slandering a person or a cause, they don’t care to know if it is justified, they just join the bandwagon so that they can be part of the majority.

The ‘victim’ may be anyone or anything. Maybe an organization, or a leader, or a pastor, or even a common man.

Jesus had a crowd shouting ‘crucify him.’ I bet you many in that crowd just joined the chorus, they didn’t know what the noise was all about, or the evil motive of those sponsoring the show.

A crowd brought a woman to be stoned to death. She had committed adultery, they told Jesus. She had to be stoned according to the Law of Moses.

Jesus didn’t pander to the whim of the crowd just so He could be popular. He was “swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” (James 1:19).

He told the crowd, “Anyone of you who doesn’t have a sin should cast the first stone.” None of them qualified.

As a Believer, don’t abandon your renewed mind to popular opinion.

1Thessalonians 5:21 WEB
Test all things, and hold firmly that which is good.

Those who follow the wrong crowd to criticize, judge, malign and attack things they don’t understand will end up partaking of the judgement reserved for the ungodly who started the wrong movement, no matter their intentions.

Do not join the crowd to tear down other people. Do not lend your voice to shout against the work of God. Remember that Satan is the god of this world, and he inspires people to do things that might appear great and altruistic on the surface, but have sinister motives powering them.

Take time to know the will of God concerning any group before joining or supporting them.

You are a Believer, but not in a lie. You are a Believer of the Truth.

Talk to your Father:
Dear Father, you have called me into the Truth. You have given me the Spirit of Truth. Help me, Lord, to not be led by my senses or the voice of a crowd, but by the Holy Spirit, and I shall not partake of the judgement of the liars and the hateful, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

You are blessed today.

Your friend,
Deon.