I am tempted to respond to the profound principle raised in the forwarded message — a second one, today, that has prompted me to write.
I have often found myself unwilling to follow the majority merely because it is the majority. I prefer to weigh matters carefully, and act according to the wisdom, understanding, and convictions that I believe God has given me. As a result, some people perceive me as being a law unto myself. Yet, in most instances, I have found that my conclusions and decisions have not been wrong.
Some have interpreted my approach as evidence of an oversized ego or excessive pride. I understand why they may reach that conclusion, particularly when I choose a path different from the one preferred by the majority. However, there is a distinction between pride in oneself and satisfaction in a task well executed. I do take pride in a job well done, especially when it has been carried out diligently, honestly, and to the best of my ability. But I do not regard myself as superior to others. Life has taught me too many lessons about my own limitations, failures, and dependence upon God's grace, for me to harbour such illusions.
From a biblical perspective, following the crowd is not a virtue in itself. Scripture contains numerous examples of individuals who stood apart from popular opinion, because they chose obedience to God over conformity to the majority. The supreme example is Jesus Himself. Throughout His earthly ministry, He repeatedly challenged prevailing religious traditions, social prejudices, and the expectations of the crowds. He healed on the Sabbath, associated with tax collectors and sinners, spoke with Samaritans, confronted hypocrisy among religious leaders, and ultimately walked the lonely path to the Cross when even many of His followers abandoned Him. Jesus never sought popularity; He sought only to do the will of His Father.
Others followed the same path. Noah built an ark while the world mocked him. Joshua and Caleb stood against the consensus of ten spies. Elijah confronted hundreds of false prophets. The apostles declared, "We ought to obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29).
These examples remind me that truth is not determined by numbers. The majority can be mistaken, while a minority — even a solitary individual — can be right, when guided by God.
At the same time, Scripture also warns me against trusting exclusively in my own judgement. "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding" (Proverbs 3:5). Wisdom is a gift from God, not a personal possession. Therefore, while I may not feel compelled to follow the crowd, I must remain open to correction, counsel, and fresh insight. God can speak through circumstances, through Scripture, and sometimes through those with whom I disagree.
The challenge, therefore, is not whether I stand with the majority or apart from it. The real question is whether I stand with God. Independence can be a strength when it is rooted in conviction and discernment. It becomes a weakness when it hardens into self-reliance or pride.
My prayer is that I may have the courage to stand alone when truth requires it, the humility to listen when correction is needed, and the wisdom to discern the difference. For the goal of the Christian life is not to be right in my own eyes, nor to be accepted by the majority, but to be faithful to the Lord, who is Himself the source of all wisdom.