Christian Family · Biblical Wisdom · Identity in Christ

Doing What Everyone Else Does?

5 min read, approximately

“Therefore, this is what the Lord said: If you return, I will restore you, and you will stand before me; if you separate what is precious from what is worthless, you will be like my mouth. Let them turn to you, but do not turn to them.” (Jeremiah 15:19)

I am not referring to changes in clothing dictated by fashion or society (as long as we dress with decency, propriety, and modesty (1 Timothy 2:9-10)), nor to the good things in our surroundings (since we know we should hold on to these (1 Thessalonians 5:21)), but to things that do not help, contribute, or solve anything… things that do not build us up. To put this in context, consider the following examples: \1. The Word records that Asaph did nothing wrong, yet merely looking at evil was enough to make his feet almost slip!

“But as for me, my feet were almost gone; My steps had well nigh slipped. For I was envious at the arrogant, When I saw the prosperity of the wicked.” (Psalms 73:2-3)

\2. King Solomon’s wisdom was not enough; merely listening to those around him was enough for him to surrender his heart and end up doing what everyone else did!

“And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines; and his wives turned away his heart. For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods; and his heart was not perfect with Jehovah his God, as was the heart of David his father. For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. And Solomon did that which was evil in the sight of Jehovah, and went not fully after Jehovah, as did David his father. Then did Solomon build a high place for Chemosh the abomination of Moab, in the mount that is before Jerusalem, and for Molech the abomination of the children of Ammon. And so did he for all his foreign wives, who burnt incense and sacrificed unto their gods. And Jehovah was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned away from Jehovah, the God of Israel, who had appeared unto him twice, and had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods: but he kept not that which Jehovah commanded. Wherefore Jehovah said unto Solomon, Forasmuch as this is done of thee, and thou hast not kept my covenant and my statutes, which I have commanded thee, I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant.” (1 Kings 11:3-11)

Are we among those who do what everyone else does? Do not miss the second part.

Continuing… \3. King Rehoboam set aside integrity, good example, and sound judgment; simply acting on bad advice was enough to divide the kingdom!

“And king Rehoboam took counsel with the old men, that had stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, saying, What counsel give ye me to return answer to this people? And they spake unto him, saying, If thou be kind to this people, and please them, and speak good words to them, then they will be thy servants for ever. But he forsook the counsel of the old men which they had given him, and took counsel with the young men that were grown up with him, that stood before him. And he said unto them, What counsel give ye, that we may return answer to this people, who have spoken to me, saying, Make the yoke that thy father did put upon us lighter? And the young men that were grown up with him spake unto him, saying, Thus shalt thou say unto the people that spake unto thee, saying, Thy father made our yoke heavy, but make thou it lighter unto us; thus shalt thou say unto them, My little finger is thicker than my father’s loins. And now whereas my father did lade you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke: my father chastised you with whips, but I [will chastise you] with scorpions.” (2 Chronicles 10:6-11)

\4. More examples? Adam and Eve (listening and looking, Genesis 3), Samson (looking and doing what others did, Judges 14), David (looking and arranging a murder, 2 Samuel 11)… If we do not want to act wrongly, what should we do? “So, whoever thinks he stands firm should take care not to fall.” (1 Corinthians 10:12) The Lord therefore advises us: “Watch yourself and your teaching carefully; persist in this, because by doing so you will save both yourself and those who hear you.” (1 Timothy 4:16) Furthermore, my friend, we must remember that you and I are children of God (Romans 8:16), the light of the world (Matthew 5:14). You and I are agents of change (2 Timothy 2:21), open letters from the living God (2 Corinthians 3:2-4)—a testimony to others! God has given us an excellent Spirit (Daniel 6:3; 1 Corinthians 3:16). You and I are “… a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people acquired by God, so that you may proclaim the virtues of the one who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9). Why, then, waste time looking at and listening to things that do not build us up, only to act as others do and undermine the purpose entrusted to us?

“… Let them turn to you, but do not turn to them.” (Jeremiah 15:19b)

May God continue to bless you
and may you continue to have an excellent day in Christ Jesus!
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