One thing that has always intrigued me is crowds. I don't consider myself to be a nosey person, nor do I voluntarily jump into other folk's affairs, yet I can't help but to briefly stop and note a crowd when I see one. It's fairly normal to wonder exactly what's going on to make others crowd around. I don't mind crowds, but I don't necessarily care to be a part of one either. Here is why.. I can never truly decipher who is present for right or wrong reasons. However, when something is going on, folks will crowd around.
This is nothing new, and it dates as far back as biblical days. Man, the folks in the Bible knew how to gather! Especially in Jesus's day! Guess what else? People are still gathering in crowds even now! The real question I want to ask is what part of the "crowd family" do you play? Ok, let's be real. People show up for what they want to, (especially in this global pandemic), but why do they show up? Let's get more personal. Why do YOU show up? It's really not the gathering itself that speaks volumes, but it's the "what are you doing while you are there" that sheds light on motives.
I often wonder about the folks that were present in the crowd when Jesus was being tried and crucified. Jesus probably helped many of the people present. Many others probably didn't like Him because he told them about themselves, and He could discern their janky motives. Some showed up because they just wanted to see would He really get crucified. Some were angry simply because they knew in their hearts that Jesus was EVERYTHING He declared to be (Son of God), and it irked their evil hearts to the core! What about the ones upfront like Mary and John that were pleading and begging for them to choose Jesus to save His life! You know the Barabbas gangsters were there to shout FREE OUR HOMIE! Then it was the "neutral" ones present (those that didn't know what to think and who to believe). They just showed up! This is just one of many crowds in the Bible, but nothing has changed much nowadays.
What was the purpose of my crowd babbling? I'm glad you asked my friend. I've learned over the years that you can't change a crowd, you can't depend on a crowd, and you can't decipher wholeheartedly everyone's intentions in the crowd! I've learned that crowds can be swayed to love you or hate you! I've learned that many who are present you have done absolutely nothing to, yet they are there lurking and watching. Here is the meat of what I'm truly getting at... crowds change, but YOU don't have to! BE YOUR AUTHENTIC SELF! BE CONSISTENT! BE WHO GOD CALLED YOU TO BE! Let them watch you, talk about you, and even accuse you, but don't let em change you! A crowd can have a great purpose! If they are quiet but actively watching your every move and life, leave a disclaimer for them to buckle up! God is about to give them a SHOW starring YOU!
Be Blessed!
Shae of The Johnsons
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