We need to find examples in the Testament to determine what people have obeyed. We have just studied about what Saul obeyed. He admitted himself that he had obeyed the people. Listen to this confession:"And Saul said to Samuel, I have sinned; for I have the commandment of the Lord, and thy words; because I feared the people, and obeyed their
voice..” I You might think that would never happen to you, but are you sure? Your group at school is going to something that you know is wrong. Because of the of the group, you succumb to their will. You have obeyed the voice of the people rather than doing the thing you know is right.
Later on in life, in business dealings, there are a few shady activities connected with that business. Too many times in business, this happens.It is just on the border line of illegal, but not too bad. Everybody is doing it, and getting away with it. It is not as open and
above-board 'as you might want it to be. But you excuse on the basis that others are doing the same , and so obey the voice of the people ratherthan the voice of God.
Another ticklish situation might be in a family realtionship. Suppose you learn the truth of the gospel, but knowing that it would create a scene at home, you do not obey the gospel. There have been people who have been cut off from their family because they obeyed the
gospel. Not many have had to suffer that calamity, but I have known a few. These who obeyed felt that they should obey God rather than their parents. But you may not be willing to cause that rift in the family. Can't you that you have placed yourself in the same category
as did King Saul? You have listened to the voice of the family, rather than to the voice of God.
Just suppose a man learns that the Bible is the only standard of authority. But you wish to become a member of a particular religious group which demands that you subscribe to some creed, manual, confession of faith, prayer book, catechism, Science and , or Book of Mormon. You want in that group you like the social life, or the good it can do your business. But you must agree to subscribe to their creed, and you do. Would you not also be obeying the voice of the people?
There is an exhortation given in the Old Testament 'which most of us are familiar. In Exodus 23:2, we find, "Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil ... " Simply because the majority of people are engaged in some activity does not give you or me the license or
right to participate in it. We need to be careful not to be , as Saul was,of obeying the voice of the people.