Peer Pressure

"BUT EVERYONE ELSE IS DOING IT!"

How many times have you said that or heard someone else say it?

Like I've said before, we all want to fit in. No one wants to be the outcast.

And sometimes to fit into that mold, we feel like we have to compromise our convictions to do so.

Let's start of by discussing what peer pressure is?

It is defined as:
           "The influence that peers can have on each other. The term 'pressure' implies that the process influences people to do things that may be resistant to, or might not otherwise choose to do."

Peer pressure normally affects the teen age group, but can even affect us as adults.

You get invited to a party where you know there will be under age drinking...Do you go because your friends are?
Your boyfriend/girlfriend wants you to go all the way with them...Do you do it so they don't leave you for some one who will?
You are struggling to keep your language clean, but everyone in your group uses profanity...Do you cuss so you don't seem uncool?
Everyone is picking on that one person who kinda smells and has no friends...Do you join it to keep from being picked on as well?
Your friend isn't a Christian...So do you keep your mouth shut to avoid persecution?

We know we shouldn't give in but sadly most of the time we do.
But what does the Bible say about falling into peer pressure?

Galatians 1:10-  For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.

Romans 12:2-  Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. 

Proverbs 1:10-  My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. 

Matthew 26:41-  Stay awake and pray, so that you won’t enter into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

1 Corinthians 15:33- Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.

It seems pretty evident that if we are a Christian, we should flee from the pressure of our peers to do things which are against the will of God.

If a friend, co-worker, or family member puts us in the position to consider compromising our moral convictions...we should run, because our flesh is weak and willing to give in.

We should also examine who we associate with on a daily basis. Corinthians tells us that bad company ruins good morals. You make think, "I can change them. They may not be the best influence on me, but I can be on them. I can bring them to church and...."
Yes, you may be able to be a good influence on them.
Yes you may be able to get them to come to church.
Yes you can be friends with, but that should be all you are until something changes.
"Do not be un-equally yoked together with unbelievers." If you know they aren't a Christian, you should not venture into any deeper relationship than just friends, but that discussion I will save for another post at a later date.

Now....Is all pressure from our peers bad? No.
WHAT?
You heard me, not all peer pressure is negative.
Re-read the definition, "...influences people to do things that may be resistant to..."

It all depends on the influences you allow into you life.
If your best friend is a devote Christian person, they may pressure you to share your faith, read your Bible, step up into a leadership position at your church....all things you may be resistant to do because of various reason. Whether you have low confidence, are shy, or just don't know  your capabilities.

If you associate yourself with the right kind of people, they can put pressure on you to become the best you that you can be.

Proverbs 21:17- As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

 So in conclusion. Can peer pressure be bad? Yes
Can it be good? Yes
It all depends on the situation and the people involved in the situation.
You need to use you disernment and pray about what's going on.

You need to worry more about pleasing God in you decisions than pleasing people.
Because when your time comes to an end and you stand before a holy God which is going to be more important?
The fact that you hung with the "in crowd" and was "popular", or the fact that you were a good servant of Christ and fulfilled His laws and obeyed His commandments?

Please think twice before giving into the negative pressures that come your way.
Don't only avoid the negative influences of others, but don't BE a negative influence.

The ugly reality is that peer pressure reaches its greatest intensity at just the age when kids tend to be most insensitive and cruel.

No one is immune to peer pressure

Hermits have no peer pressure

 
Live...Laugh...Love
Until Next Time,
Racheal <3