Don’t Live In Boxes

     The most frustrating thing in life is trying to be someone you are not. We cannot live in the boxes that society or religion makes for us. We cannot live in the boxes others make for us regardless of their good or bad intentions.  When we think of peer pressure, we normally think of insecure teenagers giving in to the wrong advice of peers.  The reality of peer pressure is that it does not just apply to teenagers: All of us can be affected by the pressure to live in the boxes of groupthink. 

     Groupthink is a psychological term used to describe something that happens in the human population; we call it the “herd mentality” in the animal kingdom. The results of giving into groupthink are the loss of creativity, entrepreneurial attributes, healthy dialogue, and an outward look to expansion. George Patton said, “If everyone is thinking alike, then somebody isn’t thinking.” Every healthy business, family, church, or organization gives room for diverse gifting, dialogue, and thinking.

     I find it interesting to look at the context of Romans 12 where Paul lists the different motivational gifts.  If you look at verses one and two of this chapter, Paul is addressing the boxes that hold us back from utilizing our gifts.  Some of these boxes are our sinful nature; ethnic groups; and religious, political, cultural, etc., beliefs.  It is thinking that is in opposition to the word of God.  We have to be willing to challenge our thinking and the thinking that we encounter in our environment if we want to lay hold of our purpose.

     Groupthink imposes its ideas on you, bringing you into submission to the group regardless of your individual gifts. True freedom is discovering yourself then freely using your gifts to serve others.  If you are not free, you will never be yourself, and your growth will be stunted. True success comes from simply coming to terms with whom you are and pursuing your passion.  You have to be comfortable in your own skin because if you are not, there are plenty of people that will try to cover you with theirs.  Saul tried to put his armor on David, but David, at a young age, knew who he was and refused it, which caused him years of trouble.  But when all is said and done, you have to be you.  You are going to have years of trouble either being yourself or trying to be someone else.  Save yourself some time and be yourself!  Remember these five things to keep you out of boxes.

• Refuse to allow groupthink to determine your thinking.
• Align your thoughts to the word of God and your purpose in life.
• Pursue your individual purpose and gifting then serve others with it.
• Serve with those who honor your individuality.
• Learn to be comfortable in your own skin.

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