Group Think: The gospel of YELP

The summer before I entered high school, there were a lot of changes going on in my mind. Growing up was upsetting my world. Mainly, I argued with my parents about everything. They were always wrong and I was always right. It is amazing that they didn’t just lock me in my room.
My friends had become my guidance counselors. Their opinion and viewpoint became my standards. As the summer progressed, I started dressing and acting like my friends. Their music and slang became a part of me. By August, I was a new person. Or let’s say, I was so different that I didn’t even know who I was. I would look in the mirror and mumble with a deep croaky voice, “Cool head, dude, and killer groovy.”
One day my mother cornered me and wanted to talk. She had had it with my insolence and condescending behavior. Her tone and demeanor were all business. I remember that her face got red and her grip on my left earlobe was firm. Mom made it clear that she was not going to lose her youngest to the heathen peer group I had adopted. She ignored my new knuckleheaded persona and shot a spiritual arrow of truth right into my heart of hearts. It was one of those “earth to David” moments, that rattled my inner cool dude.
And when she had finished, she quoted Romans 12:2, “And be not conformed to this world; but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” After a serious conversation and noisy prayer, I had seen the light. The next day I got a flat top, and “decent” jeans. I joined the school band, and the rest is history.
Bottom line: Don’t let the world dictate how you are going to live. Instead, study the Scriptures, pray, seek wise counsel, understand your place in the world, and listen to the voice of God in your life.
Today, few people heed the words of my mother. Most people are conformists. They think YELP is their Bible. If Home Advisor and Angie’s List disapprove, then that is their gospel. Few people think for themselves. They want to drive a car that is approved by JD Power, and toast their muffins in a toaster approved by Consumer Reports. If a new restaurant opens and the local neighborhood web page gives it poor reviews, then they won’t eat there. From donuts to politics, too many let others decide what their preferences will be.
Group think, opinion polls, surveys, and peer pressure dominates too many people. When they are asked why they voted for a certain person or why they avoid shopping in a certain store, many don’t really know. Others have done the research for them. Others have made the big decisions. People they don’t even know are steering their ship of life. Sad.
My Mother is in Heaven. But if she were here, she would be grabbing earlobes and quoting Romans 12:2. Please stop conforming to a world that is deteriorating. Marriages are failing, morality is corrupt, perverts are preying on the innocent, and lies masquerade as truth. Wake up and take control of your life. Solomon said, “Get the truth and never sell it; also get wisdom, discipline, and understanding.” (Proverbs 23:23 NLT)
Instead of conforming to the failing world, be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Let God exchange your mind for the mind of Christ. (1 Corinthians 2:16) With the Mind of Christ I guarantee you will have a better tomorrow!