I recently read a Science Daily article, dated February 16, 2008. The title is humorous. “Sheep in Human Clothing: Scientists Reveal Our Flock Mentality.”
Here’s the summary of the article:
“Have you ever arrived somewhere and wondered how you got there? Scientists believe they may have found the answer, with research that shows that humans flock like sheep and birds, subconsciously following a minority of individuals. It takes a minority of just five percent to influence a crowd's direction, and that the other 95 percent follow without realizing it.”
Through this study, they conducted experiments with groups of people. They were asked to walk randomly in a hall, but within the group, a few were selected and given more information about where to walk. They were not allowed to talk and had to stay within arm's length of one another. The study results showed; that “informed individuals” were followed by others in the crowd.
Think about it for a moment, we are talking 95 percent of the people who followed the other 5 percent.
Who are the informed individuals? Based on the study, they gave no information about their education, sex, age, or race. They were only given “detailed information”. The informed individuals were given detailed instructions on where to walk.
Having detailed information does not mean it’s the truth, nor would it conclude it is safe for the group. Based on the study, I would assume that the 5 percent can potentially lead a group off a cliff.
We had a few “informed individuals” in our country that reshaped America. Anthony Fauci, Chief Medical Director to the President, was the man America looked to for covid information. Having the power to keep Americans in isolation, barred from leaving our homes unless for emergency essentials. I get it and I understand that covid continues to kill people. But let’s not forget Heart disease has always been the number one killer in America, and I can continue to buy all the fatty, salty high cholesterol foods I want.
The Great Experiment
As we watched and experienced firsthand “The Great Experiment” (as I call it) unfold these last two, and a half years; I think it's clear that the “informed individuals” led our nation and world during our covid pandemic. We’ve watched governments dictate our every move. From isolating us in our homes, telling us when and where we can go, how close we can interact with one another, telling us what businesses should stay closed and which ones can remain open, be vaccinated or your way of living will be limited, wear a mask or you're not welcome, attempting to close all churches and places of worship and probably the worse or the most ridiculous, restricting how to worship. “No chanting and no singing”
It's true, people are like sheep.
People sometimes describe sheep as being dumb, and it's far from the truth. Yes, sheep have a herd mentality, as they live in flocks. But they do have a mind of their own. What you will usually find among domestic sheep is a shepherd. It's the shepherd that will lead the sheep to green pastures, the shepherd lives among his sheep, and he cares for them.
The bible tells us that we are the sheep and Jesus is the Shepherd.
We teach kids to be leaders and not followers, there is some truth to that. But do we want our kids to lead other kids, to steal candy at the store? There are no perfect leaders, regardless of how much good information they have. Because the heart of man is deceitful.
We live in a culture of follows, likes, and subscribes. People will risk it all, willing to abandon faith, morals, and values to have friends. Could this be a possible reason why America was so influenced and willing to replace common sense with a sheep mentality? I think Isaiah 53:6 says it clearly. "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way;"
I am not writing this to convince you how evil and misleading our leaders can be, all we have to do is look in the mirror. But I will tell you there is only one person whom we can trust. Who leads us, and guides us in the truth, and that is Jesus.
He is the Good Shepherd that has only the best intentions for you and me. Following Jesus is a life of self-denial, and also of taking up the cross. It's not always easy to follow Jesus, not because of the places He brings us to, but due to our lack of trust in Him. As Psalm 23 explains, following Jesus is rewarding, and fulfilling, and there is no room for fear.
The LORD is the one who is shepherding me; I lack nothing. He causes me to lie down in pastures of green grass; he guides me beside quiet waters. He revives my life; he leads me in pathways that are righteous for the sake of his name. Even when I walk through a valley of deep darkness, I will not be afraid because you are with me. Your rod and Your staff—they comfort me. You prepare a table before me, even in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Truly, goodness and gracious love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will remain in the LORD's Temple forever. Psalm 23:1-6
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