CHOOSE WHO YOU FOLLOW

            "Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil" (Exodus 23:2a). The Ten Commandments are written in Exodus 20 and an effort to keep them is very important in a believer's life. However, there are many more commandments found in Scripture that are also important to be obeyed. This simple command found in our verse is a very important one. Far too many professed believers are choosing to follow the multitude in their sins rather than remaining true to the Lord and His commandments! The Lord said in Malachi 3:6, "For I am the Lord, I change not!" His commandments given thousands of years ago are just as valid today because His Word also does not change. "But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you" (1 Peter 1:25). Those who believe the Gospel should live by the Gospel! Unfortunately, those who follow the multitude are denying the unchanging Gospel as they allow themselves to follow the sinful changes Satan is making in this world. Massive changes have come about in our world in just the last few years.

          Just a few years ago, we had no problem identifying sin. The use of alcohol and illegal drugs was universally condemned in the Christian world. All sexual acts outside of marriage were recognized as being sinful, whether they were pre-marital, extra-marital, or homosexual. The use of vulgar language and cursing was frowned on and would not be tolerated when women and children were present. Most of those guilty of these sins put forth great efforts to keep their sinful activities hidden from others. It is shocking to see the changes that have been made in a short time.

          What was once considered sinful has now been re-identified once those sinful acts are exposed. The alcoholic and drug addict only have a sickness we are told, but it was a sickness that they started by choice. The old adage, "Man took a drink and then drink took the man" is still true. Those guilty of what was once called sinful in the sexual and speaking areas are now justified as 'not being able to help themselves', or 'that's just the way God made them'.

          Those guilty of the aforementioned sins were excused for various reasons in the past, but now these activities have become socially acceptable and they no longer have to hide them. Rather, they can brag about them openly with no embarrassment at all that others know. I compare them to the people of Jeremiah's day, who he described in 6:15, "Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush." What was once 'hid in the closet' is now celebrated with pride parades and the color of the rainbow. In recent weeks, many Democrats have been speaking to crowds on television with many of their words having to be 'beeped' out. They only laugh at their filthiness and the women are as guilty as the men. Jesus said an evil heart speaks evil things (Luke 6:45). Enough said!

        We have reached the point where the people who condemn these changes in our society are stigmatized as being the guilty ones! We must defend ourselves against those who will call us backward and old fashioned. They condemn us for being judgmental of what they are doing and how they are living, but they have no problem being judgmental of us for pointing out their sins. Very ironic! I will not be surprised at all if some choose to condemn me for the thoughts I have shared in this devotional, but I believe it is time for somebody to say something!

          Each day we must choose who we are going to follow. Will we flow with the crowds so we will not stick out like a sore thumb, or will we stay close to the Lord even if we have to stay alone? God's call is clear, "Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them" (Ephesians 5:11). Don't follow the crowd! Follow Joshua who said, "Choose you this day whom ye will serve; --  but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" (24:15).