“If everyone else is jumping off a cliff—does that mean you have to as well?” The previous generation often said something like this to encourage us not to follow the mob or gang, but to make our own choices in life. “The mob has many heads but no brains,” stated Thomas Fuller. We get swept up by the pressure of the crowds all too easily.

Jesus told His followers to choose the narrow gate and more difficult way because that leads to life (Matthew 7:14). Jesus knew that not allowing the mob to form our thoughts would make us stronger and thus more successful. Thinking, gathering facts and making informed decisions—these are guideposts on the path less trodden, but the better path. Don’t be too quick to jump off the cliff and into the lake—even if you are told, “the water’s fine.”