NUMBERS DON'T COUNT!

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)