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Exodus 23: 2 “Do not follow the crowd in
doing wrong.” (NIV)
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Why do you have to be nonconformist like everybody else?* |
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In a social studies class in high school, we
were talking about how students in other countries had to wear uniforms to
school. The teacher asked how we would feel about having to dress like everyone
else and the consensus was that we would hate it. Then he asked, “How many of
you are wearing blue jeans today?” Indeed, we, the rebellious children of the
‘70s, were all dressed alike.
It seems to be human nature to want to blend
in. When someone tries to stand out from the crowd he either becomes an outcast
or a trendsetter. It is interesting that Jesus accomplished both. He was a celebrity
and a pariah. He was bold, he was different, and he was a leader. When it
became dangerous to be associated with him, his popularity and influence began
to decline. Soon, he was left with only a handful of followers - and they were
not a very impressive lot.
When we have to be reminded not to follow the
crowd, it implies that the majority are on the wrong track. Being the only
Christian at your job, in your class, in your neighborhood – in your family - it’s
hard to maintain your commitment alone. Surrendering to Jesus isn’t about
giving up; it’s about surviving in a hostile environment. Follow him in doing
right and some of that crowd will join you. Follow him in doing right and you
won’t follow the crowd to hell.
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Many today believe that a majority consensus establishes morality.* |
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