Day 16 — Don’t Follow the Crowd

“You shall not follow the crowd in wrongdoing.”

— Exodus 23:2 (BSB)

A group of guys is making fun of a kid at lunch, and they look at you to join in. Your friends are watching a video you know your parents wouldn’t allow. Everybody at the sleepover is sneaking out after midnight. The whole team is swearing, and you’re the only one who isn’t.

It’s hard to be different. Nobody wants to be the odd one out. And as guys grow up, the pull to fit in with the group gets really strong.

God gave His people a clear command: “You shall not follow the crowd in wrongdoing.”

Notice, God doesn’t say, “Never do what anyone else is doing.” Lots of times, the crowd is doing good things, like cheering at a game or helping clean up. The problem is following the crowd in wrongdoing, just because everyone else is.

A crowd can make wrong things feel normal. Everyone’s doing it. It’s not a big deal. Don’t be such a baby. But wrong is still wrong, no matter how many people are doing it.

Here’s how to stand strong when the crowd is going the wrong way:

• Decide ahead of time. Make up your mind now about what you will and won’t do. It’s much harder to decide in the moment.
• Have an exit line. “Nah, I’m good.” “Not my thing.” “My parents would kill me.” You don’t have to give a speech.
• Leave. Sometimes the best move is to walk away.
• Find one other guy. It’s way easier to stand strong with a friend. Often someone else in the group doesn’t like it either.
• Call home. Many families have a secret code word or text a kid can send when he needs to be picked up, no questions asked. Ask your parents about one.
• Remember whose you are. You’re a son of the King, not a follower of the crowd.

Standing apart from the crowd might cost you something, like a laugh at your expense or an awkward moment. But it will make you the kind of man people can trust. And often, you’ll find that others were just waiting for someone to be brave first.

Think about it: When have you felt pressure to follow the crowd? What happened?

Try this: Come up with your own “exit line.” And ask your parents about setting up a code word you can use if you ever need to get out of a situation.

Dear God, help me not to follow the crowd in doing wrong. Give me courage to stand apart, even when it’s hard. Help me remember that I’m Your son. And give me friends who will stand with me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.