Fish, especially small ones, tend to swim in schools. I’ve seen it while scuba diving and on TV nature shows. Huge swarms of little fish moving around en mass as if they were one creature.

They do this for safety. By themselves, they feel more vulnerable to attacks of a predator. Together, their chances of survival are improved. Like the old joke about two hunters running from a bear. One guy says, “You can’t outrun that bear!” The other guy says, “I don’t have to. I only have to outrun you!”

People tend toward this behavior as well. Mob mentality happens when I long to belong so I adopt the behavior, attitudes, and values of others.

But often in our culture, our herds run in the wrong direction. Off cliffs, into quicksand, or into the jaws of a lion. If I run with the herd, I will be lost along with them, all the while believing the lie that there is safety in numbers.

“Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” (Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭2,‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

No matter what my culture dictates, it’s vital for me to return to God for guidance in determining my behavior, attitude, and values. Only He can truly provide the safety I seek. Every group that I find myself part of presents a danger of drawing me into a different path from God’s if I’m not vigilant.

Dear God, thank you for providing friends and companionship in my life, but help me to remain focused on your commands and teachings. Teach me your good, pleasing, and perfect will and protect me from being a fish in a wayward school.