Read

Exodus 32:1-34:35

Think

Exodus 32:21, "[Moses] said to Aaron, ‘What did these people do to you, that you led them into such great sin?'"

Have you ever been pressured into doing something? Whether it was pulling a prank on the playground or compromising your ethics in a business deal, most of us have given in to the pressure at some point. We have all felt the influence of family, friends, classmates, or co-workers on our actions and words.

While Moses was receiving the Ten Commandments, Aaron, his second-in-command, caved under the Israelite's demands to make "gods to go before [them]" and forged a golden calf for them to worship. Then he blamed the situation on "how prone these people are to evil." But Moses cut to the truth of the matter! He flipped the script and asked what caused Aaron to lead the Israelites into such great sin. Talk about a curveball! Gulp!

If you have the light of Christ in you, you are a spiritual leader. Not only should you stand firm against pressure to disobey God, but you can actively influence others to do the same. No matter your day-to-day routine, you can be a difference-maker, someone shining the way towards righteousness. Where are your decisions leading others to go?

Pray

Dear Lord, Help me to stand firm for You against the sinful pressures of the world. Thank You for Your strength in the face of adversity! Amen.