Our Gang

Scripture: Proverbs 1:10-19

Song: Oh, The Things We May Do

“Gang” has a bad connotation in our times. There are legitimate gangs. In fact we all have Our Gang. Even within the local church there are tighter circles of believers. Often the term “clique” is disdainfully applied to these groups. But even Jesus had His inner circle—Peter, James, and John. A gang is good when its members are bent on one another’s edification, are not exclusive in their affections nor harmful or self-righteous in their deeds. This certainly is no excuse for partyism.

We must pay attention to where we fit in our gang. Some are entertainers like Alfalfa. Others like Butch always pick fights. There are Stymies who offer levity and born leaders like Spanky. Fellahs like Buckwheat talk funny but offer fresh ideas. Others like Porky always need a baby-sitter, while guys like Froggy show up just when you’re about to croak. We each bring something to our gang and we must see that our “something” is good and proper.

A gang offers some anonymity to its members. We will dare in a gang what we would not dare alone. Neither Spanky nor Alfalfa would have been a Woman-hater by himself. But in a gang no one person bears the risk. The risk lessens by as many times as there are members within our gang. That’s the challenge. The herd instinct must be resisted. Enjoy being with the gang. But don’t lose your identity. God will judge you not the gang.

Jason Moore