In a democracy, the majority rules.  If the majority decides to abuse a minority in a democratic system, then that minority will suffer.  For this reason, the founders of the United States formed a republic, which is a representative form of government.  In a republic, the people of the nation elect their representatives by a democratic process, but they do not vote directly on laws, policies, and issues.  The idea is that the elected representatives will consider all of their constituents' interests and will have the integrity and morality to protect minorities from abusive majority rule.  For this reason, the character of the elected representatives is crucial to the success of a republic.

Strangely, our nation has evolved into a condition in which minorities rule.  This is not speaking in terms of racial minorities, but rather it is a matter of simple numbers.  For example, as few as five unelected justices on the U.S. Supreme Court can give opinions that are enforced upon the whole nation.  In this way, abortion became legal (Roe v. Wade, 1973) without any input from elected representatives.  Likewise, homosexual marriage became legal across the nation (Obergefell v. Hodges, 2015) also without any laws passed by elected officials.  Besides the Supreme Court, other minorities wield their control by means of money and influence.  Individuals and small groups with great wealth are able to buy sway in all three branches of government (executive, legislative, judicial) in order to get favorable treatment. A few owners and executives who control major media outlets are able to choose the messages that are broadcast and thereby shape public opinion.  A few administrators and union heads are able to determine the godless curriculum that is to be taught to every child in the public school system.  In all of these examples, the common threads are money and power.

Ultimately, God rules, and this is what matters most to Christians.  Regardless of the will of the majority or the influence of any minority, it is God's will that has preeminence.  The apostle Paul stated it well in Romans 3:4:

Let God be found true, though every man be found a liar, as it is written, "That You may be justified in Your words, and prevail when You are judged."

Indeed, God is always true and righteous even if every man chooses to rebel.  Therefore, when the majority decides to reject God in any way, God is still true.  Likewise, when any minority exerts influence and manages to promote godlessness, God's ways are still right.  As majorities and minorities follow their own ways, Christians must remain loyal to God and follow after His will.  Moreover, it is Christ who has all power and authority in heaven and on earth (Matt. 28:18); who should have greater influence than He?

We who are citizens of heaven (Phil. 3:20) and the kingdom of God's Son (Col. 1:13) must wander in the world without absorbing the influence of the majority or the minorities.  If the majority chooses to do evil, then we must resist that evil and counteract it with good.  Moses instructed Israel, "You shall not follow the masses in doing evil..." (Ex. 23:2), and this is good advice for us as well.  Likewise, we must resist the persuasion of powerful minorities.  For example, consider the influence of the Pharisees, chief priests, and scribes.  When Jesus entered Jerusalem in Matthew 21:8-11, the multitudes cried out in praise of "the Son of David."  However, by the end of the week "the chief priests and the elders persuaded the multitudes to ask for Barabbas and to put Jesus to death" (Matt. 27:20).  Because of the influence of a minority, the multitudes shouted, "Let Him be crucified!"  Let us never be so persuaded by a powerful, godless minority.

Therefore, let us prepare for the task of resistance. God has provided us with the armor to win the battle (Eph. 6:10-17), but we must put it on and make the effort. Whereas many follow the path of least resistance, we must follow God's path and exert resistance.  This is not easy.  The influence of the world comes from many angles that make it hard to resist. Recognizing these angles will help us resist them.  The majority tells us that sin is good because "everyone is doing it."  Minorities tell us that sin is good because they know best.  Many people will use intimidation to get their way.  Most influence is wielded on a personal level.  A Christian may be tempted to compromise his beliefs because a family member or a friend is involved in a sin.  Remember 1Corinthians 15:33:

Do not be deceived: "Bad company corrupts good morals."

Let us never be influenced by any bad company, even if it comes from friends or family.  As we are bombarded from all of these angles with many influences, we must remain loyal to the Lord and resist sin on every front.  After all, we will not be judged by the majority or any minority but by God.

Stacey E. Durham