Pressure can be enormous not to follow the crowd. I remember a work situation where the supervisor gave out specific instructions to the group to go to a certain place off site and do some work there. Along the way, someone in the group decided to deviate from the instructions and do something at a different site that was more personal than job related. Everyone in the group went along not thinking about how they could have easily been fired if supervisor had caught them. Imagine the pressure. If don’t follow, how do you do by yourself a job that’s meant for a group? What if you got caught working alone? Do you tell on the rest of the group? If so, what will rest of group think of you? Do you lie and say they are working or tell the truth that they were goofing off? If you tell that they were goofing off, will they trust you again? Will you be invited to future events? So many questions go into making a decision to follow the crowd or not.
And these tough decisions can come in other situations. Like being in a position with hiring power, and contractual authority. You can get pressure from folk from all over wanting you to give a certain person a job or a certain business a contract even though they aren’t the best qualified. If you don’t do it, you may ruin future business relationships and opportunities.
I think it’s best to ask yourself all theses questions in deciding to follow or not. Consider the scripture in Exodus 23:2 and Romans 12:2. Think about what you will lose. After being the one who usually got busted while others got away; I finally learned later in life not to do something just because others are doing it.
Scripture references:
Exodus 23:2 Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment:
Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
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