RUNNING WITH THE CROWD

As Christians, we are often required to associate with groups outside of our church family. At work, in school, and even at family gatherings, Christians are usually in the minority. The positive way to look at those times is that they are opportunities to be "the light" in the darkness that engulfs the world. We can live in such a way that we stand out, and occasionally, we have the chance to share the Gospel with others. Unfortunately, for the majority of us, we don't want to "stand out." We prefer to blend in and avoid the possible conflict, rejection, or ridicule. In fact, many of us will do almost anything so that we don't appear as though we think we are "better" than the rest of the group. In other words, we become like them.

The Word says believers are not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers (2 Cor. 6:14). The Scriptures tell us to come out from among them (2 Cor. 6:17). We are to be "in the world," but "not of the world" (Jn. 17:14-16). Remember, the crowd is almost always wrong:

***In the days of Noah, the crowd perished and only eight survived (Gen. 7:13,21–23; 1 Pet. 3:20).
***After the flood, the crowd wanted to build a city and a tower (Gen. 11:1–9; 9:1,7).
***In the days of Abraham, the crowd wanted to worship idols, including Abraham’s family (Josh. 24:2).
***In the days of Moses, the crowd worshipped the golden calf (Ex. 32).
***In the days of Joshua and Caleb, the majority of the spies were afraid to conquer the land (Num. 13-14).
***In the wilderness, all but two adults died (Num. 14:29-32; Heb. 3:17–19; 1 Cor. 10:5).
***In the days of Samuel, the majority of Israelites wanted a king (1 Sam. 8:4–7).
***The entire Israelite army was afraid of giant Goliath (1 Sam.17:11,24).
***There were 450 prophets of Baal and only one prophet of the LORD (1 Kg. 18).
***Again, there were 400 false prophets and only one true prophet (1 Kg. 22).
***Only three men refused to bow to the image of Nebuchadnezzar (Dan.3).
***Jesus said that the majority of mankind is headed for hell (Matt. 7:13-14).
***It was the crowd that yelled "Crucify Him!" (Matt. 27:22–23).
***In the days of the man of sin (the Antichrist), the whole world will follow the beast (Rev.13).

Not only will the crowd usually lead the believer down the wrong path, those watching our participation in the activities of those who do not believe in Christ will assume we are "guilty by association." Remember Proverbs 13:20 which says, He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.