Alone in the Crowd

Scripture:
Deuteronomy 18:9 – “When you enter the land which the Lord your God gives you, you shall not learn to imitate the detestable things of those nations.”
 
Observation:
God knew that the Israelites were a people that were easily led astray and distracted. He had seen it with the golden calf, the first time they were to enter the Promised Land, and when they were hungry and thirsty in the desert. They completely forgot about God and it became about their wants and desires. God is warning them because He knows them and that they will abandon Him and His teachings again. God knew the lies and the lures that the Promised Land contained. To “learn” something, you have to spend time with it, study it and make a decision in your mind to know it. God knew that these detestable ways would be all around the Israelites and he wanted them to be aware of them and the harm they can do to them. Romans 12:2 says, “don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” God didn’t want them to accept the evil ways, but rather to make a mental decision and to be prepared for how they would respond once they entered the Promised Land.
 
Application:
I can’t tell you how many times I told my children they couldn’t do something or go somewhere and their response would be, “But so-and-so (insert friend’s name here) is doing it or gets to go!” Everyone wants to be accepted and to be part of the “crowd.” I was the same way. I didn’t want to get left out. My parents tried to set limits and teach me the situations to avoid. Once I grew up, I got to set my own boundaries and make my own decisions. I still made mistakes, but because of my parents’ teachings I didn’t have to make all the wrong decisions. Just as God was trying to warn and teach the Israelites of the dangers that were waiting for them, He wants to teach me. Through His word, prayer, Holy Spirit and others God wants to guide me through the pitfalls that come my way everyday. I want to learn more about God’s way and not the world’s way. The great thing is I know that God wants to teach me and guide me. He just asks that I be a willing and eager student. I need prepare my heart and mind to deal with the darkness of this world. I want to stand out from the crowd.
 
Prayer:
God, I want to thank you for being there for me. Show me the situations to avoid. Teach me to rely on you and your wisdom. I want to daily die to myself and live for you. Help me each day to set my mind on you and your ways.

— David Hardin, community missions pastor