by Randal Matheny

"Avoid the crowd. Do your own thinking independently. Be the chess player, not the chess piece." --Ralph Charell

A chess piece connotes manipulation. The Christian eschews that game, whether as object or subject. He will be neither chess piece nor player. He refuses to play the game.

The above quote tells us not to let ourselves be passive pawns, but shakers and movers. Be the one to call the shots. But even there, the game still continues.

Good advice warns away from the herd mentality. The Bible also speaks to the same effect.

• "You shall not follow the masses in doing evil" (Ex. 23:2 NASU).

• "My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent" (Prov. 1:10).

• "And do not be conformed to this world" (Rom. 12:2).

Yes, avoid the crowd, but instead of independent thinking (read Jer. 10:23) and aspiring to control, submit yourself to the Lord and place your trust in his sovereign power to guide all events and people to the final goal.

". . . He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, 'God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.' Submit therefore to God" (Jas. 4:6-7a).