Dealing with Difficulties – Peer Pressure
Social pressure exerted by one's peer group to act, adopt values, or conform in some way in order to gain acceptance. For example; when friends pressure you to do or go along with something you don't like.
This is a trait of a fallen world; putting pressure on someone to act like the rest of the group. Sadly, this can also happen in churches. Coping well with peer pressure is about getting the right balance between being yourself and fitting in with your group.
Exodus 23 verse 2: "You must not follow a crowd in wrongdoings. Do not testify in a lawsuit and go along with a crowd to pervert justice.'
1 Corinthians 15 verse 33: "Bad company corrupts good morals".
Proverbs 1 verse 10 and verse 15: "My son {My daughter} if sinners {wrong doers] entice you, don't be persuaded."
V 15 "My son {My daughter} don't travel that road with them or set foot on the path."
Proverbs 1 verses 10 to 19 can bring us to the conclusion that (particularly) young people will sometimes receive input that conflicts with the instructions of parents or guardians, and they must choose which advice to follow. Proverbs is telling us that the ways of the wrong doers lead in the opposite direction to what God has for your life.
However, there is good peer pressure, Hebrews 10 verse 24:
"And let us be concerned about one another in order to promote love and good works."
The ways of God are different from the world.
The thing we need is to be transformed, Romans 12 verse 2: "Do not be conformed to this age but be transformed, by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing and perfect will of God."
We are transformed by His Grace. 2 Corinthians 3 verse 18 "and we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit". As we 'fix our eyes' on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith, we are changed to be more like Him.
Be a leader and not a follower of people, even though you may lose a few friends, true friends understand, and should not try to manipulate.
Following Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Our friend is not always easy, but He is a Friend on Whom we can depend; "He will never leave you nor forsake you"; and He has a great long term Eternal purpose for your life.
God Bless.
Kath
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