Step away from the crowd
No matter our age, we’re sometimes tempted to follow the crowd. Peer pressure can cause us to behave in ways we shouldn’t. There are likely times when we need to step away from the crowd.
The signs are prominent–spring is on the way! Daffodils (I call them buttercups) are blooming. They add bright and cheerful splashes of color to a brown, late winter landscape. It’s as if they lift their golden voices and trumpet, “Here I am, spring is here!”
Part of the crowd
In the picture above, we see a group of miniature buttercups sharing their beauty in a colorful clump. They’re hanging out together and the result is a beautiful display of nature’s beauty. But the photo below portrays a different perspective.
I have one small flower who decided it wanted to grow separate from the group. This little one sprouted in the yard and is standing proudly. We’ll let her show her glory until her blooms begin to fade before mowing her.
Brave enough to step away from the crowd
It’s hard, but sometimes we need to step away from the crowd. Like this brave little flower, we may need to leave the security of a group and step our on our own.
This may happen when the group is behaving in a way that doesn’t glorify God:
- Being unkind
- Gossiping
- Putting someone down
- Bullying
- Pushing or luring someone else into irresponsible or unjust behavior
- Unjustly criticizing someone rather than offering helpful feedback
I hope the words of Jesus always remind us to treat others with kindness–the way we would like to be treated.
” ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'” (Matthew 22:37-39)
We are created to be social. God didn’t mean for us to be alone. So . . . I recognize it is hard to step away from a crowd. It takes great courage to speak up or walk away from a group when their behavior may cause harm to others. In such situations, I pray you will seek God’s guidance to help you step away from behavior not pleasing to God.
Dear Katherine,
Thank you for the reminder that no matter what our age, we can get caught up in the crowd—doing or saying things that aren’t God honoring.
I’m so excited to see your newest book on your site. Love the cover! I preordered a copy to give to a dear friend’s daughter who is graduating this May. Praying for a successful book launch.
Suzanne
Thank you, Suzanne. You’ve blessed my day! I’m so grateful for your encouragement and support. The launch for Stay the Course will begin soon and I pray it will be beneficial for beginning college students. Thank you for your prayers.
When I’m the only one who steps away from a group doing the wrong things, I remind myself that God is with me so I’m not REALLY all alone.
It takes a lot of courage to step away from the crowd. Thank you for reminding us that God is always with us–to help us take the right path. Blessings!
Jesus was often deserted even by His own followers because of His teaching. He certainly didn’t follow the crowd, and He is our example and the one who gives us courage to take a stand for righteousness. A great post of encouragement, Katherine.
I agree, Barbara, Jesus is our best example to show us the direction we should choose when it comes to making those challenging decisions. He will give us the guidance and courage to make the right choices. Thank you for sharing your wise insight.
Katherine, I love this analogy. We need this reminder no matter our age. Thanks.
Thank you, Lisa. This happens more often than we realize, I think. Jesus reminded us that the pathway to follow Him would be challenging. Going against the group when we believe their actions are wrong is a definite challenge. Wishing you peace and joy.
Wise words, Katherine. Thank you. (I call the flowers March Lilies.)
March Lilies! I’ve never heard them called that. It’s a good name. Happy almost Spring, Diana!
What a great message! Thank you Katherine. We must remember to follow God and not the crowd. Sometimes we need to step away from the crowd. 🙂 Have a blessed week!
Thank you for your kind encouragement, Melissa. Stepping in a different direction than the crowd is hard, but Jesus is there to help us make the right decisions. Blessings!
Great message here, Katherine.
We often think of this for teenagers but this lesson is always timely for all ages.
Happy Spring!
You are right, Connie. Peer pressure is powerful even for adults–it’s tough to resist the influence of the crowd, even when we know they are wrong. It feels like Spring this week. I hope you can enjoy the sunshine and beautiful days.
I will take that blessing fora dose of courage you offered. Thank you for this great illustration and reminder.
Thank you for your encouragement, Pastor Joshua. You’ve sent a blessing my way today. May God continue to bless your ministry.
Katherine, I feel for our youth and children as the world and the groups they must associate with at school, neighborhood, and school buses depart from God. Knowing God personally and wanting to please Him helps us step away when we need to. I appreciate you highlighting this aspect of wisdom.
I worry for our children and grandchildren, too, Debbie, and join you in prayer for their safety. I pray God will grant them wisdom and discernment so they make the right choices–whether to stay with the crowd or step away. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. Peace and blessings!
Thanks Katherine! I really love this message. I find crowds intimidating, but when it comes to stepping away…even harder. I appreciate this illustration, and will try to remember it the next time I am needing to “step away from the crowd.”
I understand the challenge of stepping away from crowd, even when we recognize they are wrong. It’s hard! But I’m thankful our Lord gives us discernment when we call on Him–and He provides strength and courage to step away and get back on His pathway. Thank you for your encouragement, Sylvia. Blessings!
Stepping away from a crowd, an organization, church … a geographical location, ETC can certainly be a struggle. I worry too much about what effect it will have on the group or how I will be viewed. Thank you for your encouragement to trust and follow Jesus when he may be leading us a different direction.
You’re in the midst of some major life changes, Mary and family. Praying for you on your new journey. I know you will continue to be a witness for our Lord through your writing and your life. Peace and blessings!
It’s so important for us to be true to what God is telling us individually. Sometimes, we have to step away to hear that and again to obey what he says. Maybe there’s a certain type of movie he doesn’t want us to watch or a place he doesn’t want us to go even if everyone is doing it. But God will reward us with a greater closeness to himself. Great message Katherine.
Thank you, Terri, for your encouragement. And for sharing your insights. The example you’ve given us of everyday choices we may face is excellent. Each day we’re experience situations where we must again choose to follow God, rather that turn away. Wishing you a joyful week!
Loved your analogy (and beautiful flowers). It is so hard sometimes to step away and go in God’s direction but so worth it in the end. Thank you Katherine
I agree, Yvonne. The challenge of staying on the pathway of our Father, rather than taking the easy road, is hard. But I’m so thankful He is with us through every step of the journey. Thank you and may God bless you in your continued service to Him.
Sometimes, our stepping away from the crowd speaks louder than the next person who stays and shouts trying to be heard. Great post ma’am. God’s blessings.
As we know, my friend, it’s hard to go against the crowd. But you are right–sometimes the act of stepping away makes the point very clear. May God bless you and your family.