To be deceived is to be ensnared or beguiled. Often we are deceived by that which gives a false impression. And so we are reminded of the old warning that "everything that glitters is not gold!"

In 1 Samuel 8:4-5, we learn how ancient Israel was impressed with the pomp, fanfare and ceremony that accompanied the kings ruling over the nations that surrounded them. They seemingly neglected the fact that their King was the eternal God Himself. They evidently felt humiliated that their judges and prophets (provided by God) were ordinary men and women of the day who did not flaunt their personal wealth, position or personal majesty. Hence, the elders of the land came to Samuel imploring him to "make us a King to judge us like all the nations."

From our vantage point we can see the magnitude of their self-deception. In their vanity, they asked to be removed from the direct guidance of God and to be placed in subjection to a mere mortal. The request angered God but He granted their wish. From that point on, until their utter destruction as a nation, the Jews labored under a human king and they knew precious little peace or rest!

This demonstrates how pride, vanity and peer pressure has always existed. And, the same is true till this very moment. Every passing generation has been beguiled and deceived by a desire to be a part of "the crowd." Hence, the expressions, "everyone is doing it ... .. everyone has one," "everyone is going," etc.

And so the Bible says, "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God" (Rom. 3:23). 'Tis sad that we are all so gullible. 'Tis sad that most are so insecure that they feel they must follow after the worlds masses, wherever they go and whatever they do!

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 6, p. 173
March 15, 1984