I know you have heard the old saying “the squeaky wheel gets greased the most,” because its noise is the loudest. Imagine that, one out of all the other wheels gains more attention just because of its shrilling noise. Unfortunately this seems to always be the case. The family of six (not my family of course) sits at a restaurant and one child continually acts up, that one gains the most attention, from the parents and the spectators. How often do we hear of something negative on the news verses something positive? Who does the teacher gravitate his attention and discipline to the one student being the class clown? Certainly more examples can be given, but the point is clear, often we find our attention given to the one who is really in the minority and not the majority. It is from this that the whole are viewed just like the one or two. No, this stereotype is not right, but we do it ALL the time……..see I just did! This stereotype is placed on sports teams, businesses, families and even congregations, though the problem is with the one or two.
Here is my challenge to you today. When you have observed a negative action or heard a negative word by a person and that individual might be associated with a particular group, take a step back and ask, who else is doing this? It will surprise you how many more are doing what is right!
Philippians 3:17 “Brethren join in following my example and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us.”
claymartin