January 15, 2025

Hey guys, 

This week’s Thought comes from Psalm 17:4. There, David says, “I have followed your commands, which keeps me from following cruel and evil people.” 

He repeats the word follow there which is why it stood out as I read. I began to wonder, what does “follow” mean in our society today?

I’m guessing you immediately thought of social media, right? Who are we following? How many followers do we have? Clicking on a button to see the highlights of somebody's best day…I don't think that's what David meant here. 

The term follow actually means “to move behind in the same direction, to accept the authority of or give allegiance to, or to conform or comply to.” 

I follow a lot of different people on social media: some are famous athletes, some are celebrities, some are artists, but I'm not complying with anything they have to say. I'm not conforming to their preferences. Following is not just keeping up with people, it is committing your life to a teaching, a way of thinking and/or a way of living. 

Then David takes it a step further. He goes on to say, “Following God's commands keeps me from following cruel and evil people.” 

Think about that, He draws a direct correlation between what we follow and where we go/what we do. Where's your focus? Who or what are you following? To what are you paying attention? Where does your focused lie? The answers to those questions will determine where you go and who/what you follow. If you're following God's commands, it will keep you away from cruel and evil people…a good example from King David this week. 

Love you guys,

John