While I'm Thinking About It

We are easily drawn by the opinions and praises of others. So influenced are we, that we are often pulled to the same likes and dislikes, as well as the same behaviors as others so that we will not seem to be "out-of-step" with the conventional wisdom of the day. At first glance it is a small thing, but it is an anchor that often drowns its victims. Jesus encouraged his disenfranchised listeners (Matthew 5-7) to not be swayed by the pressures of the religious mob actions around them. He told them: “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you" (Matthew 5:10-12). So short-sighted is the vision of the momentary mob that a look back from years in the future easily reveals the ridiculous. While not th