We are taught to go with the majority. Phrases like “do the greatest good,” “go with the flow,” or “majority rules” tell us that it makes sense to do what the majority dictates. It is okay for one to suffer if everyone else is fine. It believe the phrase is “take one for the team.” It seems so noble. It seems fair. It makes sense except that is not what scripture tells us.
In my early 20’s, I had one request for our traditional Christmas family gathering. I asked my mom for a smoke free Christmas. I have asthma and am very sensitive to smoke. We had several family members who smoked, and the entire house would fill with this gray cloud.
My mom’s response was that she couldn’t ask our guests to go outside or to the garage. In my mom’s defense, she was raised that you never inconvenience a guest. However, these guests were my brother, sisters and spouses. I didn’t see them as guests the way she did. I’m sure she also thought inconveniencing one is better than the majority. I spent the bulk of that holiday in the bathroom unsuccessfully using steam to clear out my lungs.
37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ 40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ (Matthew 25: 37-40 NIV).
It is easy to go with the majority and leave one out. This scripture reminds me that Jesus is for the least, the one left out. I don’t notice the sacrifice made by the one left out, overruled, or ignored. Am I focused on what is best for most? Am I missing out on the sacrifice others are quietly making in the background? I need to take notice of the one who needs to be seen just as I needed to be seen. I need to meet the needs of the least of these. I have had it upside down for too long.
Do you go with the majority? Do you seek and find the lost one, the one left out? Share your story here and breathe life and bring hope to others.