The herd mentality

Beware of group think. The religious leaders convinced the crowds to demand the crucifixion of Jesus (Luk 23:21). Pilate, though he knew Jesus was innocent, succumbed to the demands of the mob (Mat 27:24). The Soldiers, as a regiment, went above and beyond the call of duty, mocking and torturing Jesus rather than performing their simple but gruesome task (Mar 15:16-19). Each operated in fear of the group. They sensed that their survival depended on the herd. Though they knew Jesus had done nothing worthy of death, none had the courage to stand against the peer pressure. In what areas do I lack courage? How do I succumb to obvious evil in the face of the social norm? Lord, grant me the courage of my convictions.