Solomon describes the enticing invitations provided by sinners in Proverbs 1:10-15. In the verse above, they invite the gullible to join forces with them and gain easy wealth. My father always cautioned me as a teenager that "the stupidity factor increased proportional to the number of boys hanging out with nothing to do". He explained that while one innocent, bored young man may not get in any trouble, put him with his bored friends and the odds of something stupid and wrong occurring increased with the addition of each additional bored teen. Sadly, he was right. And sadly, I proved the theory on more than one occasion!
Aren't we the same today? Rarely will you hear one person alone criticize another. But as the group of on-lookers grows, the critical, demeaning, demoralizing comments grow in proportion. Why is that? We have a tendency to be brave in our comments and actions when the group of supporters increases. We feel embolden to speak out, as long as we are with "friends" who share our view. But have you ever been in a group wandering in the wrong direction (in actions or words) when only one person has the strength to stand up for what is right? Quite a rain on the parade! Words are stopped in their tracks, toes lazily circle making imaginary figures on the floor while each quietly ponders his actions. While someone may be brazen enough to chastise the one challenging their actions, all know within their heart that they have done wrong. Do you have the moral fortitude to stand up? Jesus did make us the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13). Are we providing the proper seasoning to our peers? We have a purpose that should prevent us from ever being bored (Matthew 28:19-20). Stay focused on your mission and you will reduce the stupidity factor in your group!
