Herd Mentality

Herd Mentality

Herd Mentality: The tendency of individuals in a group to think and behave in ways that conform with others, rather than as independent thinkers. (Merriam Webster)

The Power of the Mind

The human mind is truly fascinating. It’s estimated to have a storage capacity of around 2.5 million gigabytes! Think of all the information we’ve consumed over the course of time. Everything from socioeconomic factors, peers, family, political affiliations, social media, music, popular trends, culture, religion, and even denominational beliefs influence how people think and live today.

But we must ask ourselves: How have we allowed these things to shape our thoughts, values, beliefs, and behaviors?

Proverbs 23:7 NKJV – “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.”

With so much information coming at us daily — some subtle, some blatant — whatever we consume the most of will eventually shape our character and show in how we live.

Conformed or Transformed?

Romans 12:2 NKJV   – “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind...”

For many, life’s decisions are based on the opinions of others. The pull to “go with the crowd” can appear anywhere — at work, school, church, or online. But the ability to think and reason with the mind of Christ, guided by the Holy Spirit, is wonderful.  

We need to read, study, meditate and apply God's word in our lives daily. If we lean on our own understanding or blindly follow the many voices we hear in our world daily, we're sure to be confused, misled and conform to the patterns of the world instead of transforming to be more like Christ.  

The influences around us can be quite alluring — and they come from every direction. But in God’s Kingdom, the majority does not rule. God does, and His Word is the final authority.

Isaiah 40:8 NKJV  – “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.”

Matthew 24:35  NKJV – “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.”

The Narrow Way and the Wide Path

Jesus warned us that not everyone will choose the right path. The way that leads to life is narrow — it requires discipline, faith, and obedience. The way that leads to destruction is wide — it’s easy, comfortable, and filled with compromise.

Matthew 7:13–14 NKJV  – “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”

Following the crowd often means taking the easy route — the path of least resistance. But choosing the narrow way means walking in truth, even when it’s unpopular or misunderstood.

Galatians 1:10 NIV – “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God?...”

Proverbs 14:12 NKJV  – “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.”

Proverbs 30:5 NKJV  reminds us: "Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him."

Our safety and trust are in God, not in the opinions of others.

Can God Count on You?

Our faithfulness to God should not change like the weather. God desires that we live in accordance with His Word — whether others agree or not. He is looking for those who will remain faithful, even if they must stand alone.

2 Chronicles 16:9 NIV – “For the eyes of the Lord roam to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.”

• Elijah confronting 850 false prophets on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18)
• Noah and his family (8 people) on the ark (Genesis 7:1)
• Gideon and his 300 men against 135,000 Midianites (Judges 8:10)

God is searching for people whose hearts are loyal and steadfast — men and women who will honor Him regardless of the culture, pressure, or opposition they face. He delights in those who stand firm and do not compromise their convictions.

Deuteronomy 13:4  NIV– It is the Lord your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him. 

To “hold fast” means to cling tightly to God — to obey His voice and remain devoted when others turn away. Even when it seems evil prevails, God is not blind or silent. He sees everything, and His justice never fails.

Psalm 94:16  NIV– “Who will rise up for me against the wicked? Who will take a stand for me against evildoers?”

We must not be afraid to go against the court of public opinion. Standing for truth will often mean standing alone, but it is better to please God than to seek the approval of man. Popular opinion changes with time, but God’s truth endures forever.

John 15:18–19 NIV – “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated Me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.”

Acts 5:29 NIV – Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings!

Proverbs 29:25 NKJV – “The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.”

When we fear God more than people, we walk in true freedom and strength. Our boldness and loyalty to God become testimonies of faith that inspire others to do the same.

1 Corinthians 15:58  NKJV – “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord...”

Joshua 24:15 NKJV  – “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Courage and Faith

We are called to have the courage to imitate Jesus and the faith to do what He says — to endure hardship, persevere, and not fold under pressure.

2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV  – “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

Hebrews 12:2 NIV – “Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.”

Don’t Wait to Obey

Psalm 119:60 NIV – “I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands.”

We don’t have to understand everything before we obey what God says. Gideon was fearful when God called him — yet he obeyed anyway, and God honored his faith.

Judges 6:12, 14 NIV – “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior… Go in the strength you have and save Israel.”

James 1:22  NKJV – “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”

Delaying obedience often costs more than we realize. Much like the Israelites who waited too long to obey, we too can wait too long and miss out on blessings God has already prepared for us. (Numbers 14)

Stand Firm

We are called to stand firm on the Word of God — regardless of what everyone else is doing or saying. Our allegiance is to Him alone.

Matthew 5:13–14 NKJV – “You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world.”

Ephesians 6:13 NIV – “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground.”

Even if others have deserted you, let us like Paul extend grace: 2 Tomothy 4:16 NIV At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them.

Let us remain distinct, steadfast, and unwavering in our faith — not swayed by the herd, but led by the Spirit.

Romans 8:14 NIV

14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.