(The following is the June 11 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read Acts 27 and pay close attention to verses 1-21.)

People prefer to make their own decisions. We accept being under authority in the family, business, government, church, and other contexts, but we still want a voice in matters that impact us. Exercising that voice may work out, but insisting on our way can also bring harm.
Paul and other prisoners were under the watch of a Roman centurion aboard a ship headed to Rome. Given repeated weather difficulties, Paul warned those in charge about the danger of continuing the trip as planned. Paul was a prisoner, so his advice did not carry the same weight as the centurion, the ship’s captain, or the ship's owner. Ultimately, the majority expressed their desire to continue sailing (v. 12).
Prisoner Paul advised what to do, but those in charge took a different approach. Most present agreed to set sail against Paul’s advice. How did things turn out? The storms were so severe they had to toss overboard the cargo, undoubtedly at a tremendous financial loss. Eventually, the ship ran aground and tore apart – another financial loss – although nobody died.
Had those in charge heeded Paul’s advice, their trip would have been delayed, but the cargo and ship saved. Their decision was extremely costly. The attitude that ignored the wisdom of a man of God and insisted that its voice was superior led to tragic consequences.
The majority is not always correct, especially when their decisions conflict with counsel from people filled with God’s Holy Spirit who trust his Word.
Next Step:
Can you recall when a majority voted for something that turned out to be wrong? Have you gone along with a majority and later regretted it? How can our relationship with Christ and obedience to his Word keep us from repeating such mistakes?
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