Is anyone else weary of the heartache in this world? It seems no matter how hard we try to live rightly, it doesn’t make much difference. The world around us appears to be spinning out of control. At times, we might to tempted to throw our hands in the air and proclaim, “I give up!” But, Christian brother or sister, don’t cave to that temptation. Do you remember the old admonition, “If your friend jumps off a cliff, are you going to jump, too?” Parents use it as a means of telling their children not to follow the crowd, and for good reason—a popular idea isn’t necessarily a right idea. The crowd doesn’t always lead you in the right direction.

My enemies (i.e., those who aren’t interested in seeking God and His guidance) might ignore God’s words, but I don’t have to follow suit. I don’t have to let someone else’s behavior dictate how I behave. Just because someone else speaks derisively doesn’t mean I have to counter in the same unpleasant tone. I CHOOSE to either fall into the world’s habits or conduct myself in a manner worthy of my calling as a follower of Christ. Is it easy to stand against the crowd? Nope. But do I please my Lord and Savior when I choose His way instead of the world’s ways? Absolutely. I’d rather please Him than them.