Popular opinion is one of the two things that control the natural man. Man's own lust is the other. In the Epistle of James he clearly tells us of lust and its result in the very first chapter. "Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth He any man: but every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin; and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death."
Popular opinion controlled Herod when, because of those who sat eating with him, he commanded John the Baptist to be beheaded. Pilate also, even after saying three times, "I find no fault in this Man," still delivered Jesus to be crucified because of public opinion.
Sometimes popular opinion is a restraining factor to prevent evil. Thieves do not want the public to know what they are doing because they know it is wrong. As the moral standards decline, this partial hindrance to evil declines also. This is so very evident in the last two or more decades. General moral standards are lower and lower every year. What was considered wrong and even repulsive a few years ago is first casually accepted and then taught.
To Christians the exhortation is, let not fornication, and all uncleanness or covetousness be once named among you. This is God's standard. It never changes. As to the unfruitful works of darkness in the world, the word is: "It is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret." Eph. 5:1212For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. (Ephesians 5:12).
As popular opinion gets lower it is less and less of a hindrance to evil. As Zephaniah, the prophet, wrote:
"The unjust knoweth no shame." Zeph. 3:55The just Lord is in the midst thereof; he will not do iniquity: every morning doth he bring his judgment to light, he faileth not; but the unjust knoweth no shame. (Zephaniah 3:5). What men formerly blushed at is now laughed at. What was formerly done in secret is now done openly. Next it is taught and commercialized for filthy lucre. In the world, lewdness and immorality are accepted as the natural course. Popular opinion has lowered and the general standard of conduct is down accordingly.
Defiling influences are found in schools, colleges, offices, factories and even in houses of the world. How very important it is for the Christian to seek to walk with God. Enoch did this in the wicked world of his day and he was not found for God took him. This is our hope also, yet while we are still here in the world may we not be of it. (John 17:1414I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. (John 17:14).)
If we often read the Holy Scriptures so that our thoughts are formed by the precious Word of God, our standard will be God's standard and not that declining standard of men.