Skip The Kool-Aid

Growing up I used to hear some of our elder relatives say, “If everyone else jumped off a bridge, would you jump to?”. I’m sure others have heard some version of such a phrase. While terrifying to a young brain, there was a very stern point they were trying to get across. It’s okay to be an individual. Furthermore, just because everyone else drinks the Kool-Aid, doesn’t mean you have to grab a cup full as well. 

 “If everyone else jumped off a bridge, would you jump to?”

In my teens, I wasn’t buying that. The only way to be a part of the “in-crowd” was to do everything they did, even if I didn’t enjoy it. Parties, cursing, causing senseless trouble, and everything else. It wasn’t my cup of tea, but these people were my tribe! Only as I got older did I begin to appreciate my differences more. I was always called “the quiet one”. Even now, I do not like when people label me as such. But as a teen, I would often think, “Am I quiet or are you loud?” What’s so wrong about not yammering on and on or filling empty space with my voice? Nothing. But because it’s not what people consider the “norm”, it’s often called out more.

There is always more than one perspective. Just because someone doesn’t look like you, sound like you, or even act like you, doesn’t necessarily mean their life choices are wrong. My favorite example on accepting uniqueness comes with the gospels. Each of those men are sharing the same story, yet, there are some notable differences. That’s no different than attending a seminar with a friend or peer and each of you having a different perspective about the most essential takeaway.

There is a lot happening in our world right now. Just because something is “legal” doesn’t mean it’s cool for you. Look at how many places have legalized cannabis or even gambling. So what? There is no law mandating your attendance the next time the casino opens. You still have a choice. What it boils down to is identifying what that means for you and the life you are choosing to live. If you want to walk a tighter spiritual walk, then you perhaps don’t pursue the things that are detrimental to your spirit. You instead seek out the more positive things.

When I was in school, we weren’t always vocal about being “church goers” because all the cool kids never talked about it. We didn’t want to seem uncool. And it wasn’t a cool thing to pass on bowling because you had to attend bible study. What I had to learn was to stop putting so much value into what others thought or saw when they looked at me. It began to matter more to me to live a life where my primary concern was what God thinks. God first. Everything else will fall into line later.

So for me, my choice is to be a part of the “in crowd” that is delighting in the goodness of God. Rather than jump on the next bandwagon that slides through, I want to be more intentional about my choices and whether or not they bring God glory. If I’m struggling to understand the right path to take, then it is a great opportunity to work out my prayer muscles and ask God for direction. In sincerity, God always answers. That’s a great “in crowd” to be a part of. The kind that takes their woes and worries to God and leave them there so they can continue to rest and rely on Him. That is the only in-crowd we should desire to be a part of.

Stay Sunny!

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