Recently my family visited the Mystic Aquarium in Mystic, Connecticut. We had a great time and learned a lot about marine life. But in learning about marine life, we also learned some lessons about life in general. For example, just as we entered the main building we noticed a huge round glass tank filled with fish. All the fish were swimming the same way. But one fish, pictured below, was swimming the opposite way. There is no way to know what caused that one fish to swim the other direction, but there he was, swimming against the stream. But what was amazing was that he was soon joined by another fish. Now there were two swimming the opposite direction. Then three. Then four. Suddenly, the entire school pivoted and turned and began swimming the opposite direction, following the lead of one solitary fish that was willing to swim against the tide.
This made me think about the influence that one person can have on those around him or her. When one person begins to stand up for what is right, it often feels like he or she is all alone. But then one other person comes along to support him or her. Then another comes to support the pair. Eventually enough critical mass is built up for significant change to happen in a whole group of people.
We are living in an age in which Christianity is mischaracterized, maligned, mocked and dismissed. But if we will stand strong for our faith, we can influence many people around us. We must not be afraid to be the lone fish swimming against the school, we CAN make a difference if we remain faithful.
To read more devotionals written by Dr. Terry Dorsett, consider the book Touching the Footprints of Jesus.
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