Mob Mentality

WHEN YOU THINK OF a mob mentality, you don’t immediately think of moms, do you? Me neither. But as I read about those silly old Israelites after God set them free from slavery in Egypt, I started to wonder if these two groups have more in common than I initially thought.

Exodus 16:2 says, “The whole congregation of the people of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness” (ESV). This is the reputation of the Israelites: grumblers and complainers. As I read this verse referencing the “whole congregation,” I wondered if there were a few standouts who tried to fight the negativity. Was there one ray of sunshine who tried to start a different narrative? “Guys! We were slaves in Egypt! Sure, we’re wandering the desert, but we were slaves! Why are we complaining about bland food and pretending we were better off in oppression? Let’s give Moses and Aaron a break and see where this goes before we revolt.”

Whatever the case, we don’t hear about anyone with countercultural thoughts. And knowing the story of Caleb and Joshua and how they viewed Canaan differently from their fellow scouts (Numbers 14), I assume Moses would have made mention of any opposing viewpoints.

We moms aren’t wandering in the wilderness, but I see some similarities when it comes to the mob mentality. We live under an umbrella of misconceptions about motherhood. These lies often sound harmless, but if we buy into them, they can turn us into a herd of grumblers and complainers.

If you asked most people, this is what they’d say they know about moms: They wear yoga pants. They drive minivans. They don’t sleep. They yell. They cry. They hide in bathrooms. They wish they could have pristine white couches or walls. They bemoan their bodies. They judge.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. Okay, well technically, yes, all these things can be said of me, but they aren’t going to define me. We know there’s more to motherhood, and we aren’t going to perpetuate the idea that this is all there is. Why? Because that’s not what God intended for us. He has a better plan, and we don’t have to slip into the mentality.

A. W. Tozer says, “We are not going to be sheep running over the precipice because other dumb sheep are running over it. We see the precipice—we know it is there. We are listening to the voice of the shepherd, not the voice of terrified sheep. The terrified, intimidated sheep are going everywhere.”^a I can’t help but rejoice that we have a Shepherd who keeps us away from ledges. We just need to keep our eyes on him instead of following the lost herd. It turns out our best teacher on motherhood is a fella. Who knew? That God of ours is countercultural, as usual.

What if one person said no to grumbling? It wouldn’t even have to be the whole herd. What if we started with saying no to just one misconception that’s dragging us down today? What if we vowed to defy the voices of grumbling and complaining in our own heads and crowd them out with God’s truth?

A grumpy moment is coming today—it’s only a matter of time. But you can prepare yourself to reject it. Stand on the promise of 1 Corinthians 10:13: “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” (ESV). We have a way out. We aren’t helpless to reject the lies of this world. As you go about your day, I hope you will be empowered, knowing that we aren’t destined for the herd. We have the power to stand out and follow the Shepherd.

ACTION STEP

Think of a typical moment when you would normally choose to go with the crowd. Write down what it would look like to defy the mob mentality of the grumpy mom, and commit to choosing a different path next time.

PRAYER

Father, I want your definition of motherhood, not the world’s. I get caught in the herd mind-set so easily. Please give me the wisdom to see what doesn’t align with you and the courage to go against the crowd and follow you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

MORNING QUESTIONS

TAKEAWAY TODAY | What do you typically hear moms grumbling about as part of the mob mentality?

What kinds of things do you tend to complain about most?

DREADING TODAY | Is there anything you’re dreading today?

REDEFINING TODAY | If so, what is another way you can view that thing you’re dreading?

ASKING GOD TODAY | What request are you bringing before the Lord today?

EVENING QUESTIONS

REFLECTION | Were you in any situations today where people were grumbling? How did you respond?

LITTLE VICTORIES | Where did you see God show up even in small ways, reminding you that you aren’t alone?

WHITE FLAG MOMENTS | When did you want to hide or escape today?

MEMORY OF THE DAY | What do you want to relish and thank God for?