The men of this world are constantly counting their
possessions and tallying the opinions of others to determine
their success. That is a great deception! "Numbers Don't
Count" is written to show followers of Christ that it is
foolish to measure success by the world's standards.
Instead, we must follow the example of Jesus with a life of
obedience to the Father.
The Good Book shows that early Christians didn't curry the
favor of men. Instead, they were hated, mocked, scourged
and even thrown to the lions. Yet, in spite of the fiercest
opposition, they had the power to turn the world upside
down. Why? It was NOT because of their multitude or
political clout. It was because of their faith and obedience
to God.
Even though their numbers were small, they firmly believed
that The Almighty God didn't need a great number of people
to accomplish his will on earth. After all, He once used a
mere lad to bring down the mighty Goliath! On that
memorable day, of Old Testament times, David didn't take
an opinion poll to determine if he could win the battle. He
centered his thoughts on the power of God when he took
the five smooth stones from the brook. (It only took one
stone to kill Goliath; but since Goliath had four brothers,
David was ready to stand against them, too!)
After an experience like that, David should have
remembered that the people of God never conquer the
forces of evil because their natural strength. They overcome
sin and the devil through the power of God. Even so,
David was deceived and yielded to the temptation of taking
a census of the fighting men of Israel. Since that prideful
act placed the emphasis on a mighty army instead of an
Almighty God, 70,000 men lost their lives to a plague.
Look at how quickly the mighty can fall when our Creator is
displeased.
Comparing the greatness of armies and this world's riches
with the favor of God is a seducing deception, indeed.
That is why we need to soberly consider the sinful
temptation of counting things and people with the attitude
that says: "a lot is good, more is better, and Most is Best."
That is the way the world thinks, but the truth is this:
"A little that a righteous man hath
is better than the riches of many wicked."
Ps 37:16
Just because the largest number of people are in agreement,
that doesn't mean they are right... In fact, the scriptures
teach us the exact opposite is true. Speaking of eternal life,
Jesus said:
"Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate,
and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction,
and MANY there be which go in thereat:
Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way,
which leadeth unto life, and FEW there be that find it."
Matt 7:13-14
Another case of the majority being wrong is when Jesus was
crucified. At Passover, Pilate released the rebel and
murderer, Barabbas. Then he delivered Jesus to be
scourged and crucified. The gospel record tells us why
Pilate acted in this unjust manner. It was because the
religious leaders falsely accused Jesus of many things; and,
the MULTITUDE was crying, "Crucify him".
Yet another event, in ancient Israel shows MOST of the
spies were wrong when they told the people they couldn't
possess the land that God had promised them. (Only Joshua
and Caleb had the right report). All the people believed the
same old lie that "The opinion of most is right." --so much
so, that they wanted to stone Joshua and Caleb, make a
captain and return to Egypt!
In this lifetime, each believer has a campaign to win against
the forces of wickedness. Instead of catering to men's
opinions and wishes, we need to focus our attention on
being faithful to the Commandments of God. Then
someday, we will receive the only opinion that really counts.
That is when Jesus will say to us:
"... Well done, good and faithful servant;
thou hast been faithful over a few things,
I will make thee ruler over many things: enter
thou into the joy of thy lord." Matt 25:23
Donna Kupp
"And the dragon was wroth with the woman,
and went to make war with the remnant of her seed,
WHICH KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD,
AND HAVE THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS CHRIST."
Rev 12:17 (KJV)
The Seven Deadly Deceptions Of Counterfeit Christianity
www.freetruth.info
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