08/31/2026
LEMMINGS
Lemmings have become the symbol of blind followers. When the lead lemming goes over the cliff, the rest go with him. Whether or not every popular story about them is accurate, the picture is unforgettable: one moves, and the rest follow.
The religious world is full of spiritual lemmings.
A well-known preacher makes an overstatement, and countless others repeat it. A movement coins a catchy slogan, and everyone echoes it. A leader defends an unscriptural position or excuses hidden sin, and his followers rush to justify what God condemns. Instead of searching the Scriptures, they search the crowd.
It is remarkable how fast entire groups adopt the latest buzzword, emphasis, or trend. Yesterday’s phrase is discarded. Today’s buzzword becomes the new badge of spirituality. And few stop to ask the only question that matters: “Is this biblical?”
Paul rebuked this very spirit: “I am of Paul; and I of Apollos… Is Christ divided?” (1 Corinthians 1:12-13). Our loyalty belongs to Christ—not to personalities, movements, or theological celebrities. Some say I am of Paul. Others say I am of Apollos. But it’s not about Paul, Apollos, or any other man. God‘s people follow Christ!
It is time to stop following men blindly. Respect faithful leaders, but never hand over your discernment. Every preacher, teacher, and author must be measured by the unchanging Word of God. George Whitefield said, “The best of men are men at best.” Esteeming men above God is the worst form of idolatry.
Jesus never said, “Follow them.” He said, “Follow Me” (Matthew 4:19).
Stop hiding in the crowd. Quit beiing a “company man” and start being Christ’s man!
The church does not need more lemmings. It needs men and women who know the Scriptures, think biblically, and follow Christ—regardless of which way the crowd is running.
Harold Vaughan
