The term "sheeple" has become more common recently. Often used to describe the new, ultra "liberal" movement and their followers. People who believe whatever is told to them by public politicians, the media and celebrities. Many will fight for a point, even after it's been debunked, repeatedly. I find it extremely fitting, personally. However, I also think it's more than leftists who fall into this category. Even though with more mindset, often are behind something, simply because they're told it's the "conservative stance." The days of freethinking and moderates are gone. We don't have the time to learn issues fully. We have hedonism to pursue, in so many different ways! Tell us what we need to believe and we will believe it, whole-heartedly.
It's funny to realize that in the Bible, we are called sheep, quite often. Christ is our "good shepherd." Which of course means a shepherd who wants what's best for us. To the point of laying down his life. Often in the Bible we see the Israelites or believers are easily swayed to one teaching or another.
So perhaps people being too lazy to learn what is good, isn't anything new. But it does make Proverbs 22:6 make a lot more sense. That the way a child is raised is often how they act for the rest of their lives. And when most kids are raised by a public school system, where one teacher is trying to control 25 students, the method to make it easier for all involved is to teach them to listen without arguing. Comply with those in charge. And simply get by. It's not the teacher's fault and I believe this is a very good argument for homeschooling or other alternatives to public school. Because you really should want your children raised differently!
One story that comes to mind is after the Florida nightclub shooting. Republican presidential hopeful, Ben Carson, said he wished the people would have charged the shooter, rather than run away. He was immediately accused of being insensitive and other slurs, because of this. But his point is valid. So often we hear heroic tales of one person rushing into danger, turning into a tidal wave of courage, sweeping through people. United Airlines flight 93 on September 11 is one well documented case of this. Carson's argument stemmed from the idea that the person in front is going to get shot first, anyways. If he turns and runs, all will run too. But if he rushes and fights, people will follow. Less would have died if that first person did rush.
This is not to blame the individual or any of the other victims, mind you. Rather it's to point out such a terrible flaw in society. To show how we are not taught how to respond when life comes crashing down. We look for the first to run and join in with them. It also shows just how needed a good leader is in the world. Just as Jesus is the Good Shepherd, he ran into danger and certain death, coming into the world to save us from sin. It shows how the people on Flight 93 understood their situation and knew that if they didn't try something, a lot more were going to die. The phone call from the plane seemed to indicate they knew the first to rush would likely get shot, already. There are countless stories of soldiers drawing fire, so others can live. Leading a charge into doom that inspired more, citizens stepping in to save an assault victim and the list goes on.
There's a saying (and a meme) that says a boss orders from the top, a leader shows from the front. Rather than barking orders, a true leader is the first into the situation, showing those in his charge what they should be doing. Kings leading troops into battle has been shown throughout history in some of the most potent armies. True leadership is so important.
So we have to ask ourselves. Are we that leader? Could we respond in a crisis to step into danger in such a way, that emboldens others? Would we risk injury, pain and even death, for people around you? Do you need to be "at the top" to show others how a situation should be done?
Because the first in line is the first shot. Will it be in the back, running away in a terrible tragedy? Or will it be in the front, running towards in a moment of heroism? Will it be to step out and speak against true injustice? Or will you slink and cower while people around you have their lives ruined by terrible governance?
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