Following the Crowd

Many people spend their lives following crowds. They want to do the popular things and know what is popular at the moment. They seek out current styles and support “hot” causes.

But the Bible warns us against placing our faith in the crowds. For people often are wrong. Their opinions can change in a moment, and what was popular becomes passé. If we are obsessed with popularity, we can become willing to forget God and His Word.

When He gave the Law, God emphasized this very principle. In fact, one of His earliest warnings was against following a crowd. But soon after, we find the Israelites ignoring this warning. When Moses was on the mountain, the people demanded that Aaron make a god for them. Suddenly, the whole community was engaged in idol-worship. They had followed a crowd to do evil.

God provided this warning because He loves us and wants the best for us. He knew that we can avoid many problems if they had followed this principle!

The same is true for us in our daily lives.

There are many ways in which we can “follow a crowd.” It is so easy just to do what seems popular at the moment. To watch hit TV shows. To blindly agree with popular opinions. To follow worldly philosophies because they attract attention. To go to places just because other people go there. To believe things just because a celebrity says they are right.

The Bible reminds of David’s pledge, “I will set nothing wicked before my eyes” (Psalm 101:3). Every day, we must renew our commitment to follow this principle. To realize the power that God had given us.

Be sensitive to the ways the world can influence your life. Fill your mind and heart with God’s Word. Make a resolute commitment to follow Him, and not be led by the crowd.