Persuaded by the crowd?
Like many of the species God created, humans are social beings. We weren’t designed to live in isolation. But being a social being can sometimes lead us to being persuaded by the crowd.
Pigeons often hang out in a group. They, like others, believe there’s protection when in a group, in their case, a flock. But when one bird gets startled (perhaps by a beach walker), the whole flock takes flight.
My horses are the same. If one of the herd becomes frightened and runs, they all run, even though they have no idea why the first one became afraid. This might lead to perceived safety by the horse’s point of view, but in a group of riders, accidents and falls can occur if a group of horses takes flight.
Being persuaded by the crowd can have negative consequences
Sometimes we may be led astray by a group. Paul shares such an example in his letter to the Galatians. The Apostle writes of the agreement between the disciples, James, Peter, and John and Paul and Barnabas. The disciples (James, Peter, and John) were to work as apostles to the circumcised, while Paul and Barnabas were to minister to the Gentiles.
However, Paul asserts that Peter had been swayed by a group of Jews and had become hypocritical in his treatment of Gentiles:
When Cephas (Peter) came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. For before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles because he was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group. (Galatians 2:11-12)
Others were persuaded by the crowd to join the hypocrisy.
The other Jews joined him in this hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray. (Galatians 2:13)
Have you ever been persuaded by a crowd to actions you realized were not God’s will? What were the consequences?
Peer pressure is real and powerful and can happen no matter our age. It can influence us to make good decisions or bad ones. But when we take those tough decisions to God in prayer, He can guide us to make the right choices.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. (Philippians 3:12)
A positive message of group influence
My message today primarily shares how negative attitudes may cause us to make decisions harmful to others. My author friend, J.D. Wininger, had a wonderful message this past week as he guest posted on Ron Gallagher’s website. J.D.’s message delves into the plethora of ways that living in a social group (his herd of cattle provides a great example) can help us to show our love for one another. Peer pressure isn’t always negative. You can read J.D.’s inspiring message here.
I pray we can be watchful and careful of how others influence our decisions and that we rely on our Father to guide us to make decisions which are in His will. I pray we are a good influence on others–that our actions reflect the light and love of Jesus.
Yes, may our actions always “reflect the light and love of Jesus.”
That’s my prayer, too, Diana. Thank you!
I’m thankful for the community of Christian writers. When I revisit this wonderful group of people, it keeps me grounded and reminds me why I write in the first place. Dear Katherine, I’m grateful you are a part of this community of believers who support each other faithfully.
Like you, Suzanne, I’m grateful for our group of Christian writers. We are blessed to have the support of loving authors who encourage us on this journey and we have the blessing to be an encourager to others. Wishing you joy and sunshine.
We see this herd mentality in many of the politically correct groups of today. A lot of people don’t even know what they are protesting they just follow the first one who yelled the loudest. Our warnings in the Word of God are there for our protection. We do need to follow the Lord’s directions no matter what someone else does.
I agree, Barbara, our most important pathway is our walk with the Lord. It’s His voice we need to listen to, not the shouts of the crowd. Thank you for for your dedication and commitment to sharing the light and love of Jesus with others.
Anyone who owns a pair of skinny jeans knows what it’s like to follow the crowd. And for many, that’s not our best choice. May God grant us discernment to go His way, not the way of the crowd. God bless, Katherine.
Ha! That’s a great example, Nancy. And you are right, not everyone looks their best in skinny jeans (or leggings). I’m with you on that prayer–we all need God’s guidance and the gift of discernment. May God bless you and your ministry.
Well said Ms. Katherine. I remember discovering the word, and concept of, “groupthink” when I read Orwell’s “1984.” Who could have ever imagined this futuristic fantasy novel would be realized in my lifetime? In my professional career, I referred to it as “drinking the Kool-Aid”, we all remember Jim Jones and his cult following. I did because failing to think for ourselves can be just as fatalistic. Since retiring to ranching, which really isn’t retiring as my favorite “farm girl” knows, the horses, cattle, donkeys, and other livestock has taught me many lessons. While herd mentality is important for their survival in the wild (the way they form a 360-degree watch) or all run away from a perceived threat, it can lead to many wrong actions. I’ve watched my herd run gain (weight) off going back and forth across my pastures because of dogs barking in the distance. As supposed “greater beings”, we’re blessed with an intelligence and ability to reason that our Creator gave us to prevent our herd behavior. We are supposed to reason and do what is best for us. Yes, there are those of us who are meant to be sheepdogs and protect the herd, but each member of the herd, flock, or group have the intelligence and ability to think for themselves and not merely “go along with the group.” Granted, there are times when we determine no real threat to going along with the group (e.g., Dairy Queen after Sunday night services come to mind). The fellowship of others is an important part of our spiritual lives. Yet, when “the group” wants to pursue something that you deem, sense, or feel is not in your best interest (e.g., a violence-filled or racy movie playing at the theater), then you are better served choosing not be “go along with the group.” As you so aptly pointed out, peer pressure can cause us to make decisions that we might know are not right ones for us, but the fear of missing out or being deemed a social pariah causes us to go against our better judgment. This is what we must all guard against. We must also guard against being one to apply peer pressure to others. What great points you made ma’am. Thank you, and thank you for all your kind words. Now I’ve got to go try and live up to them.
So much wisdom, J.D. Thank you for sharing. It’s imperative that we balance the two aspects of herd behavior. You’ve clarified the positive and negative characteristics and we can only make the right choices if we seek our Father’s guidance through scripture, prayer, thoughtful reflection and fellowship with God’s faithful followers. It takes much courage to stand up to a group when we know they are wrong. Often we’re the only only speaking up because others are afraid to go against the group. Thank you, my friend, for being such a good example for us. Wishing you and the Cross-Dubya family a blessed week.
Peer pressure is such a force in all our lives. We think we’ll outgrow, that influence when we get beyond our adolescent years, but it’s still there. I appreciate yours and J.D.’s insights about it.
J.D. has such a store of wisdom and I’m so glad he shared his thoughts. You are right, Kathy, we never outgrow the effects of peer pressure. I’m so grateful we have our Lord’s guidance on the journey. Blessings!
Peer pressure and crowd mentally have influenced me at times in my life. Thankful that God matured and set me apart. I like how you paired your message with J.D.’s similar, but different message. I have a social group that influences me positively to go exercise.
It’s wonderful when we have the support of our group to encourage us to do activities that are good for us and others–exercise, making healthy choices, joining in worship and Bible study. One of the perks of social media is having encouragement from other authors and readers. Wishing you joy and sunshine, Candyce.
Katherine, I’ve followed the crowd before in conversations that included gossip and complaining. I felt bad later and knew I couldn’t retract my negative contributions. The Holy Spirit convicted me that I am set apart to honor Christ, not to follow the crowd even in conversation. Your post includes good examples to steer us toward pleasing God, not others and not ourselves.
I’ve been there, too, Jeannie, and just like you, the Holy Spirit reminded me I wasn’t honoring God with my behavior. I expect many of us have stumbled in this area. Thank you for sharing. In our weakness, our Lord helps us to be strong. Wishing you joy and blessings, my friend.
Thanks for reminding me not to get carried away with what the crowd is doing. I know that bad company corrupts good character, and I don’t want to take others down with me.
As we know, being swayed by a crowd happens often. We only have to turn on the news to see the negative impact. Thank you for reminding us we must be vigilant so we are not in the group that is pulling others down. Hoping you week is blessed, Joanna.
I once read a quote that you are the sum of the five people you are with the most. That made me really look at who I spent time with. We moved shortly after and I made sure the new people I let in my life were people who brought me up.
Jen, I needed to read you response several times to get the full benefit. I’m so grateful you shared that pearl of wisdom. We all need to be careful in our associations with others in two ways 1) Not to be corrupted by others, and 2) Be diligent in not being the one who brings others down. Thank you for sharing. Blessings!
God teaches us through nature, and you found some excellent examples, Katherine. I appreciate your challenge to stay alert because we are prone to crowd-following at any age. Blessings!
Annie, it always amazes me that, even as adults, we are so impacted by peer pressure of the negative sort. It’s a good thing that God’s people come together and support each other in living a godly life, exemplifying living by the Fruit of the Spirit. Of course, if we can influence people to do good, it becomes obvious that we can also influence people to make bad decisions. I pray that God’s guidance and influence will always be the deciding one for us. Thank you for your encouragement.