We fear standing out for anything but our own exceptionalness.
Our tribal nature ensures we make efforts to identify as part of a group through our clothing, speech, interests, and even beliefs. This deep longing to feel connected drives us to make concessions in order to ensure we are not ostracized.
While this trait builds community and unites an otherwise individualistic society, it also yields false confidence. For the truth is we are often unaware of our ultimate destination and the validity of our daily micro decisions. However, en masse we find comfort and reassurance. We are relieved by the thought that we cannot all be wrong. The fear of being outside the group replaces the uncertainty associated with traveling to an unknown destination.
“He comes up empty. A string of zeros.
Useless, unshepherded Sheep,
taking turns pretending to be Shepherd.
The ninety and nine follow their fellow.”
The author of the above Psalm describes the state we often find ourselves in: the blind leading the blind.
The thought takes me back to 2nd Grade. I remember the teacher offered two possible solutions to a question regarding the volume of water vs. ice. She asked us to raise our hands to submit our answer. I was certain it was the second option and intended to submit that answer until everyone else in the class raised their hand for the first. I suddenly lost all confidence in the logic I had applied and instead answered with the group. The teacher politely smiled and then corrected our collective incorrect answer. It is eerie to consider how often I have since errantly acted in this same manner on issues of far greater significance.
The truth is we are but mortals seeking to fulfill eternal desires. The clear pathway to our purpose is often beyond our comprehension. To achieve this noble objective beyond ourselves we must seek and follow direction from beyond ourselves. We must turn to the eternal and forego our mutual assurances to truly realize our purpose.