"I am irritated by the philosophy that bigger is better."

This is an 'each-to-their-own' subject, but since they are my irritations being discussed...I'll just tell you, I'm not a fan of all things big!

Take, for instance, model trains - "HO" is the preferred scale for lots of model train collectors. I prefer "N" gauge. And, while I have some 1/32 scale model cars, I really have an affinity for those little 'matchbox' and 'hot wheels' cars. At Christmas time I get enthralled looking at merchants displays of lighted miniature villages populated with little 'cast' figures and 'matchbox' vehicles.

I admire the skills of an architect modeler, creating a miniature version of the proposed large-scale development.

I've developed quite a taste for those little 'early June' peas. I love those tiny little pickled ears of corn on the salad bar. I like those little oranges with the loose peel, not so much the great big oranges. I prefer the little Fuji apples over the great big shiny red ones. I prefer a filet of tenderloin over a huge chuck steak.

I really enjoy being with a dozen or so close friends watching a bowl game - far more than being just 1 of 70,000 people watching the same game in a stadium (and yes, I've been there, done that more than once). For me, the enjoyment of going to a big game is found in the company I go there with and with whom I interact before, during and after...it isn't the crowd there that is appealing to me.

I admire the skills of a politician who can function one-on-one, making each person feel important...not so much the political cat who 'turns it on' in front of a crowd but can't connect in a small setting.

I enjoy being with a fellow-preacher who is 'real' as an individual. I've been around plenty who are such insecure individuals that they insist upon hiding behind their assumed titles even when it's just them and one other person.

I've also noticed that same insecurity in some individuals who find their 'identity' in associating with anything 'big' or 'mega.' That blanket assumption is quite indicative of stunted personality development. There's quite a difference between someone with a big ego and someone with a 'strong sense of self.'

That stunted personality development person wants to eat where 'everyone' else is eating...they aren't going to go to the little diner (unless they hear someone 'important' mention that they eat there).

That's a person who believes everything they hear from a 'mega' ministry television evangelist, after all "if that many people agree with the Rev. Holy Joe TV. show, they must be right!" Same type of thing with where that person attends 'church.'

Well, what about it? Jesus chose to pour himself, his life, his ministry into 12 people. Sure there were sometimes big crowds who would come around for the show (miracles, food, spectacles and celebrities: i.e. Lazarus) but Jesus would try to meet the needs and then get away from them as quickly as practical.

Jesus didn't trust the crowds. Scripture says that He knew what was in their hearts. It was observed of the early development of democracy in America that crowds (mobs) developed a mentality that could dismantle society, politics, culture and the economy. However, it would, of necessity have to fall into the hands of a select few to build the new society, politics, culture and economy. (Read Alexander de Tocqueville's writings sometime.)

I'm not 'into' the crowds who follow celebrities. I prefer a few close friends. I prefer a church 'family.'

I really like the "Cheer's" approach to church, in that, 'everyone knows your name' and 'everyone's just the same.'

Don't tell me that it's better being in a huge, hyped, impersonal crowd whose identity is that of the organization, that makes me irritated.