Stand for Right

(repost from 1/29/2009)

Today’s Bible Reading:  Exodus 23-24, Psalm 14, Acts 5

Topic: Integrity

SCRIPTURE:  Exodus 23:2, Acts 5:29

Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong. When you give testimony in a lawsuit, do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd. (Ex 23:2 NIV)

But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men.”  (Acts 5:29 NKJV)

OBSERVATION:

This verse in Exodus speaks of the importance of individualism and individual personal integrity. Individuals are responsible to know right from wrong and to do right regardless of the majority. There is no excuse of, "Everybody else did it" or "Everyone else thinks this way" - No! You stand up for what's right period, and do not be swayed by the crowd mentality. The apostles had to stand up with this type of integrity when they did not give in to the heavy-handed intimidation tactics of the Sanhedrin and said, "We must obey God rather than men!" (Acts 5:29 NIV)

APPLICATION:

I must always stand up for what's right. I must never allow the mentality of the crowd to be an excuse for my inaction. "I" am the one responsible to do and act and speak and fight for what is right.

PRAYER:

Lord, give me the strength, courage and wisdom to stand for right.

In Jesus' name.  Amen.  -AP