Exodus 32:1 And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him.
This passage of scripture highlights the sad history of a chosen leader who permitted himself to be pressured into doing something wrong, by the multitudes who were bent on doing evil. Because it wasn't popular do the right thing in this instance, Aaron buckled under a wave of acrimonious demands by the majority to do what God had just recently forbidden in words and writing. As a result many of the people were led into gross idolatry, which resulted in some three thousand premature deaths.
A very solemn and sacred duty devolves upon religious leaders who are entrusted with the living oracles of scripture to deliver to the multitudes by precept and example. A life of sobriety, holiness, and virtue is required at all times by those who are the appointed leaders of the people, especially as it pertains to practical godliness. This duty is enjoined upon all bishops and spiritual leaders, for it is a responsibility that comes with the office. Let's read:
1st Timothy 3:1 This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; 4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; 5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) 6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
This is a very serious obligation, and must not be subject to change through peer pressure, popularity, financial contributions, or political correctness, elements that we too often see emerging in the decision making processes of those who are the spiritual guardians of the people. Aaron should not have permitted peer pressure to overrule principle, even if it meant being held in contempt by the people. Censure or approbation should never be motivating factors when it comes to to doing what's right, for God has not called leaders to popularity, nor should righteousness be held subject to the majority opinion.
It is a sad commentary of our time, that the error of Aaron is being repeated over and over again,in those who were once thought to have scruples. For instance, there are new laws legalizing immorality, now being introduced into the public domain by those who were once fierce opponents of the same, only because it has become the popular opinion to foster and countenance certain evils, and as a result, the leaders who are supposed to stand firm for the right are now falling for the wrong.
When leaders, both spiritual and political, allow themselves to be swayed by public or popular opinion, it's just a matter of time before satan will gain complete control of their minds and those under their jurisdiction, for wherever double mindedness reigns, instability and moral anarchy follow in its train. It is therefore necessary for everyone, leaders and followers alike, to live by godly principles, leaving the results up to God, for if we cannot stand for anything, we will fall for everything.
We therefore end with a passage of scripture reminding us of our sacred duty to follow after godliness, even though it is becoming more and more unpopular to do so. Let's read:
Matthew 7:13 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: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
We sincerely hope and pray that in this time of declining morality and brazen iniquity, that the true sons and daughters of God may be found blameless and harmless. God bless!