“My sheep listen to my voice. I know them and they follow me.” (John 10:27, CEB)
Orcas have been in the news of late. News outlets report that several boats have been rammed by pods of orcas near the Iberian Peninsula. Three boats have been sunk as a result of the orca uprising.
Scientists believe the marine mammals are following the lead of an orca named White Gladis. Some speculate that Gladis initiated this new behavior because she was protecting her newborn calf. Others think she is just having fun. Whatever the reason, White Gladis has established a trend as other orcas jump onto the bandwagon.
The Bandwagon effect refers to the habit of adopting certain behaviors or beliefs because many other people do the same. In his bestselling book, Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion, psychologist Robert Cialdini writes:
“Whether the question is what to do with an empty popcorn box in a movie theater,
how fast to drive on a certain stretch of highway, or how to eat the chicken at a
dinner party, the actions of those around us will be important in defining the answer.”
In summary, the conduct of others becomes a shortcut to help us decide how we are to act. We rely on the decisions of the people around us to navigate our lives.
Like orcas, sheep are bandwagon jumpers. When the majority of sheep move in a certain direction, those that lag behind are likely to follow the flock. Jesus, however, indicates that those who claim him as their Shepherd will listen to his voice and follow him.
Jumping on the bandwagon is an easy approach to making decisions in life. Yet just because a majority of people believe, speak, and act in a certain way doesn’t mean they have chosen the best way. Jesus though always has our best interests at heart.
I have met many people who regret their decision to follow the masses. I’ve never met a single person who regrets following the direction Jesus has led that individual. Simply put: the voice you regard will determine the future you receive.
Consequently, choose wisely the voice you follow. Those who follow the pod and bump into the wrong boat likely will come away with a lump on the head.
Orcas have been in the news of late. News outlets report that several boats have been rammed by pods of orcas near the Iberian Peninsula. Three boats have been sunk as a result of the orca uprising.
Scientists believe the marine mammals are following the lead of an orca named White Gladis. Some speculate that Gladis initiated this new behavior because she was protecting her newborn calf. Others think she is just having fun. Whatever the reason, White Gladis has established a trend as other orcas jump onto the bandwagon.
The Bandwagon effect refers to the habit of adopting certain behaviors or beliefs because many other people do the same. In his bestselling book, Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion, psychologist Robert Cialdini writes:
“Whether the question is what to do with an empty popcorn box in a movie theater,
how fast to drive on a certain stretch of highway, or how to eat the chicken at a
dinner party, the actions of those around us will be important in defining the answer.”
In summary, the conduct of others becomes a shortcut to help us decide how we are to act. We rely on the decisions of the people around us to navigate our lives.
Like orcas, sheep are bandwagon jumpers. When the majority of sheep move in a certain direction, those that lag behind are likely to follow the flock. Jesus, however, indicates that those who claim him as their Shepherd will listen to his voice and follow him.
Jumping on the bandwagon is an easy approach to making decisions in life. Yet just because a majority of people believe, speak, and act in a certain way doesn’t mean they have chosen the best way. Jesus though always has our best interests at heart.
I have met many people who regret their decision to follow the masses. I’ve never met a single person who regrets following the direction Jesus has led that individual. Simply put: the voice you regard will determine the future you receive.
Consequently, choose wisely the voice you follow. Those who follow the pod and bump into the wrong boat likely will come away with a lump on the head.