He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.

Micah 6:8

 

Who hasn’t at times been drawn onto the bandwagon to join with others in what is popular? Popular things to do, to think and to be. We’re unsure of ourselves, thinking other people’s judgment can be better relied on than our own. Having so many with us is reassuring.

But Gustave Le Bon, author of The Crowd: A Study of the Popular Mind (1895), pointed out the core foundation of his crowd psychology theory: Individuals lose their sense of self and responsibility simply by being a part of “the crowd.”

But losing the ability to think independently can cause major problems. History has shown that charismatic leaders can draw masses with their speaking ability. Followers believe whatever such leaders say. The crowd effect keeps them from recognizing the fact that they could well be the victims of deceit.

Jesus stood for justice. We must pursue what is right according to what God says, not what people say—not even a charismatic leader. Beware of what you’re hearing. And walk humbly with your God.

Marja

 

On Justice for All this week – Charles Dickens and Child Labor