The Power Of The Gospel Vs. Public Opinion

James E. Farley

In 1953, country singer Webb Pierce had a big hit called, “There Stands the Glass.” It was a song about drinking alcoholic beverages and bar rooms. In fact, Pierce has called this song, “The National Anthem of Drinking Songs.” When it first came out, radio stations refused to play it because it seemed to glorify drinking whiskey. The song was heard by millions, however, on juke boxes in honkytonks, and, of course, when Pierce would sing it at live shows. People began to call in to the radio stations asking disc jockeys to play the tune. They refused, that is, until thousands upon thousands of calls and letters began to pour in to radio stations. Station managers and disc jockeys “caved in” to the public pressure and began playing the song, and it soared to the top of the charts! Here is an example of how public opinion and pressure from the majority can cause society to give up on certain basic morals and overlook sin. A similar kind of thing had happened in the 1940’s when Flatt & Scruggs came out with “I’ll Go Steppin’ Too.” This bluegrass song was just too suggestive for most radio stations, until the public clamored for it to be played on the air. Again, station managers all across the nation gave in to public pressure.

The two examples I have given above may seem as “little things” to 21st Century minds. Things have certainly gotten worse since that relatively innocent time. A small crack was made in the flood wall; then, the waters of sin and error began to flow in a small stream. It seems that, now, we are having to navigate a raging flood day-in and day-out as we live our lives here on earth. Many like the ways of the world in which they are drowning in destruction and perdition. (cf. 1 Timothy 6:9). The world is a dark place, and it is getting darker all the time!

When a major public figure can get involved in a sexual scandal, and the majority of Americans will react with, “Well, everybody is doing it” or “We elected a President not a Pope,” it certainly gives us a clear picture of the vast difference between the world and those who are faithfully adhering to the Lord’s righteous Way. We are to “... come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.” (2 Corinthians 6:17).

The Word of God admonishes us not to “walk as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.” (Ephesians 4:17-19).

Satan is real, and really working! (1 Peter 5:8-9) We can and must resist him “in the faith.” In fact, “in the faith” is the only place we can resist him. We must draw nigh to God by submitting to Him so that He will draw nigh to us. We must resist the devil so he will flee from us. (James 4:7-8). 

One of Satan’s most effective devices (2 Corinthians 2:11) is to keep people ignorant of right and wrong. He wants people to think they are all right when they are not. (Proverbs 14:12) He has convinced the world that they are OK. We must not be poured into the world’s mold; we must be transformed by the renewing of our minds. (Romans 12:1-2). The world wants us to conform; Satan wants us to conform to the world. We must use the verbally inspired Word so we can be “instructed in righteousness,” for it is in the gospel that God’s righteousness is revealed. (Romans 1:16-17; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). We must use the word of righteousness so that we can discern good from evil. (Hebrews 5:12-14).

When we see that a certain sin has gained popularity with the world, this does not mean that it is suddenly all right to be involved in it. The Word still says, “Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil.” (Exodus 23:2). Just because “everyone’s doing it” does not make it right. The majority will go to hell! God’s faithful have always been the few! (Matthew 7:13, 14). -1179 Mark Wayne Dr., Louisa, KY 41230.

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