Crowds are powerful. A crowd can topple a government (Egypt), can push for justice (civil rights), can destroy people’s lives (Reginald Denny). Today’s Scripture reminds us to “not follow the crowd in doing wrong” (Exodus 23: 2). First, we have a have a strong sense of what is right and wrong in order to not participate in wrong. But even when we know what is right and wrong, it takes a great deal of courage and moral fortitude to resist the impulse to go with the flow. Crowds can quickly turn on those who dare to object. Refusing to go with the crowd can end up being lonely.
However, one person is also powerful. Just one person refusing to participate in wrong can call the crowd the reflection and can be a catalyst for empowering others who are questioning the wrong, shifting the balance of power. Think Rosa Parks.
I’m reminded of the song I learned as a child. Dare to be a Daniel; dare to stand alone. God, give us courage.
Tongue on Fire 