Peer pressure is a powerful tool the Devil uses to influence people to sin. Learn to say NO.
Proverbs 1:10 “My son, if sinners entice thee, Consent thou not.”
A peer is someone who is of equal standing. They can be the same age or part of the same group. Classmates, co-workers, and friends are examples of peers.
Social pressure is the use of persuasion, influence, or intimidation to make someone do something.
Let’s put these two together to define our subject for today.
Peer pressure is when someone of equal standing attempts to persuade or coerce another into doing something they wouldn’t usually do.
There are two types of peer pressure. Direct peer pressure is when someone actively pressures you through encouragement, mocking, intimidation, or humiliation. Indirect peer pressure is when you feel pressure to do something just because others are doing it.
Peer pressure is a powerful motivator that can change attitudes, values, or behaviors to conform to an individual or group. Adults are just as susceptible to it as children.
[shareable]You must learn to stand firm on your beliefs regardless of what others say and do.[/shareable]
Peer pressure is not always bad. It can be positive (helping you do what it right) or negative (instigate you to do what is wrong).
For example, If most of the people at your job work hard, then there is pressure for you to work hard. On the other hand, if most of the workers at your job are lazy, there is pressure for you to slack lest you make the others look bad.
There is good peer pressure in every Biblical church, Christian youth ministry, or godly family. The encouragement and behavior of others is a continuous inspiration to follow God.
Now that we understand peer pressure, we can learn to sense when we are being negatively influenced by it. Do not fall under the powerful spell of negative peer pressure. Otherwise reasonable people have done all kinds of crazy stuff when the right buttons were pushed. Don’t fall for it!
We learned two days ago that the Tempter uses surrogates to entice us to sin and evil. Peer pressure is one of his favorite tools. He knows that you want to be accepted and fit in. He will use that desire to his benefit and your detriment.
You must learn to stand firm on your beliefs regardless of what others say and do. Mentally, step outside the pressure of the moment and ask yourself some questions. What does the Bible say? What would my loved ones think? What would happen if I got caught? Would God be pleased?
Questions like these can help break the seductive grip of peer pressure. Then walk away. Every moment you continue in the temptation increases the probability of your sin.
The Bible is clear. “When sinners entice thee, consent thou not.” Just say NO to the negative influence of peer pressure.
[callout]“Lord, don’t want to yield my future to the whims of others. Strengthen me against the wiles of the Devil. Make me sensitive to the Spirit’s inward persuasion and deaf to the world’s outward pressure. Deliver me from my sin nature that I may serve Thee. Amen.'[/callout]
Read this devotional series from the beginning here.