(picture from Wikipedia – public domain)
It is so easy to jump on the band wagon. You know the band wagon effect ….
- to do or say or think a particular way because everyone else is doing so
- to go along with a popular trend
- to go along with the crowd
The funny thing about the bandwagon is there is often no rationale as to why everyone jumps on. Many will jump on without thinking the thing through; without examining whether or not they agree or disagree. In the midst of all the drama or the heat or the commotion, they just go with the flow.
But is this wise? This is the question on the table and before me today.
In the middle of reading the book of Acts, this morning’s reading started with these simple words ….
“When the uproar was over ….” (Acts 20:1, NLT)
Paul waited for everything to settle down and then he went into action.
So many times, I have responded or reacted before thinking the thing through. I bet you have as well. I need to learn not to be so quick to react but to let the uproar die down.
Most times the uproar is taking place inside my heart and mind. I need to let the cacophony die down inside and then sort the situation out.
Sometimes we just need to wait for the uproar to be over. To let all the drama and emotions settle. When the dust is flying, we truly cannot see clearly nor be wise. I love that Paul knew the wisdom in waiting.
May we learn to let the bandwagon go on by.
And wait until the uproar is over.
 Today I am joining … Unite and Testimony Tues. and Titus 2 Tues. and Titus 2sday .
Wise words! You could’ve been talking about me when you said, “Most times the uproar is taking place inside my heart and mind.” So true that you really can’t see anything until the dust settles.
Lisa, inside my heart & mind is where the uproar takes place most times for me. I need to learn to wait it out, not respond from my emotions & think it through calmly. We’ll learn yet, by His grace!
Love this! Especially the uproar in our heart and mind. If I could only let that one pass more often before getting caught up in it!
Me too! It’s like once the bandwagon gets started, it is more like a steamroller 🙂 Hopefully we’re learning 🙂
Oh how I’m still learning this lesson! Although last week, I let an uproar pass, followed up on Monday and got a much better reception than I ever imagined. So let that be a(nother) lesson to me!! Great post, Joanne and thanks for linking up to Testimony Tuesday!
Holly, so grateful the bandwagon passed you by. There’s hope for us to learn yet!
This is actually something I ponder as I prepare for my husband to come home. With him so far away we’ve both been so good about not getting carried away by feelings. I know the dynamics change when he is back home and I would typically be one to get caught up in the uproar and respond through feelings instead of out of love. I pray the love dare continues to impact our marriage long beyond this deployment. Great post, Joanne. Blessings. xoxo
Thank you, Beth. I can see this being a challenge to overcome. As much as you long for him to return, you have also adjusted to his absence. His return will again demand an adjustment. If I may interject something I have observed through your writing, it would be this –> God knew this long before you realized it & has been preparing you all along. Praying the things you are reading and learning would root deeply in your heart & mind in preparation for the days ahead. Love you!
Hi Joanne! This is really good for me. I tend to bust into someone else’s space just to add my two cents. Ugh. So insufferable. Wait, wait and see what the point really is.
I know that you mean wait through a hard time, and that’s true as well. “Patience is a virtue” and it’s one I’ll always be working on.
Blessings,
Ceil
Ceil, I actually meant waiting or refraining from reacting emotionally in relationship as well as hard times. Our emotions can get the best of us in so many varied ways. May we stop jumping on the bandwagon & let it go on by us 🙂 Blessings!
Joanne,
That’s a great line and truth to live by: “When the uproar was over…” Especially when added to, “As God was leading…”
Grinning,
Jennifer Dougan
http://www.jenniferdougan.com
Love what you added, Jennifer! So glad you shared!
Oh yes, it is so easy to “folllow the leader” in times of uproar and commotion. During these times is when we need to pray, think, and react as God would have us to. Not always easy! We often tend to get caught up in the crowd, and follow their behavior without first talking to our Father. I continue to pray for God’s intervention in my heart and decision making actions.
Great post Joann!
Blessings and hugs for a joyful week!
Denise
http://refinemelord.com/
Thanks, Denise. I don’t think it ever is easy which is why it comes easier to jump on. May God make us wiser & better able to wait it through. Have a great Wed.!
Well said, Joanne! So many times when things are going crazy, God needs to calm me down to see what He wants me to do. I’ve learned it’s best to wait and see how He wants me to react to a situation first since my first reactions are often the wrong ones!
Isn’t it true, Carrie, that our first reactions are so often wrong. Oh to be far more patient!