“Everybody does it, so it must be alright!” What crazy reasoning is this? Should we try to catch the common cold because it’s fashionable, or litter the pavements because others do it?

In 1662 Rev. Thomas Watson lovingly warned those who said, “Everybody does it, so it must be alright” with these solemn words. “In the day of judgement God will say to you, ‘Seeing you have sinned with the multitude you shall go to hell with the multitude’.” Similar words from thousands of other passionate preachers made many tremble. But their lives were transformed as they turned from their sins to Christ, found the joy of forgiveness and the power of a new purity in their hearts.

During the ancient history of Israel, whenever the nation got into trouble because of their sin, God always sent them a preacher first, and then perhaps a new king. If Thomas Watson were alive today he would certainly tackle head on this old excuse for wrong doing, “Everybody does it, so it must be alright!” We can imagine him leaning over a pulpit and crying out, “Should we tell lies because everybody does it? Scripture warns us that those who practice lying will never go through the heavenly gates. [ Revelation 22:15 ] Should we break God’s third commandment and use His name as a swear word because as you say, ‘Everybody does it?’ Scripture declares all such people guilty. [ Exodus 20:7 ] Should we get drunk, because many people do? Scripture says, ‘Drunkards will not inherit the kingdom of God.’ [ 1 Corinthians 6:10 ] Should we put selfish sex before love because you like to think that everybody does it? Scripture says, ‘Fornicators God will judge’.” [ Hebrews 13:4 ]

The dynamic preaching of godly men in Britain has played a key role in reducing anti-social behaviour and cultivating an industrious and conscientious nation. How we need them today!

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