Is Peer Pressure Stronger than Christ Pressure?
In grade school, I curled my bangs. I created a “poof” and then sprayed half-a-can of hairspray to keep it from collapsing.
Fitting into high school fashion, I rolled my jeans cuffs really tight and wore my socks up tight to my jeans. The style was important, and I was going to fit in.
What about you? Remember the clothes or hairstyles you wore in order to be accepted?
Peer pressure doesn’t go away as soon as we toss our graduation cap, does it?
How many of us are wearing athletic clothes around the house, yet we haven’t been to the gym nor exercised in a few weeks? Or those infinity scarfs which feel like they could strangle us any minute?
Peer pressure is real even in your adult life.
It’s hard to keep a distance from culture, isn’t it? Without even paying attention, culture seems to rub off on us like grease we find on our clothes. Where did that come from? Or maybe that’s just me.
The more we become of the world, the less we become like God.
The woman who conforms to culture circumvents her faith.
Culture versus God
Where does culture oppose God?
- Culture says me vs. others
- Pleasure vs. Purpose
- Whatever vs. Ten Commandments
- Now vs. Perseverance
- Death vs. Eternal Life
- Changing vs. Steadfast
It’s easy to combat peer pressure when we’re in a close relationship with our Savior.
Peer pressure can overcome our faith when we encounter problems.
Peer Pressure Pinned Herod
In the book of Mark, the Bible shows us the strength of peer pressure.
Herod knew John was a holy man, and he liked to listen to John. John taught in a way which caused Herod to ponder and think. Herod was developing an affinity to John, but as we see, it was quickly lost.
“Ask me for anything you like,” the king said to the girl, “and I will give it to you.” 23 He even vowed, “I will give you whatever you ask, up to half my kingdom!”
24 She went out and asked her mother, “What should I ask for?”
Her mother told her, “Ask for the head of John the Baptist!”
25 So the girl hurried back to the king and told him, “I want the head of John the Baptist, right now, on a tray!” ( Mark 6:22-25, NLT).
Herod fell into the trap of peer pressure. If Herod had listened to John the Baptist longer, seeds of faith could have been planted. He was intrigued with John’s teachings, yet he wanted to fit in with his crowd.
Christ Pressure
What does pressure from Christ cause us to find?
Our kingdom purpose
Progression to the image of God
Hearts set on eternal perspective
Discovery of joy and hope in this world of continuous problems
Happiness by living with a humble, grateful heart glued to Christ
Here’s the deal: in order to have stronger “Christ Pressure,” we need to intentionally find Christ every day.
We need to make the choice to immerse ourselves in His Word, invest in God’s thoughts, and follow His example for living.
Let us not fall for the styles and living of culture, rather live in the style that will never go out of fashion. We can find it in the Bible. I assure you those styles are going to last for eternity!
Sharing this post at #Momentsof Hope , #InspireMeMondays, #PartyonthePorch, #TestimonyTuesday, #IntentionalTuesday, #RaRalinkup
A circular argument, right? IF Christ is our best friend, our brother, or our peer, then whether it’s peer pressure of God pressure – it’s good! 🙂
Yes Carol!
Thanks for stopping!
Julie
I love the idea of Christ Pressure, you are so right, peer pressure never truly leaves us. We must choose him, because we won’t default to him. So happy to be visiting from Testimony Tuesday.
Thank you Sarah! Love it- “we must choose him, because we won’t default to him.”
Julie
Julie, I love your list of the ways culture opposes what God wants for us. It’s so true and yet, we give in so easily. Staying close to Jesus and His truth opposes those lies. That is my constant prayer. Thanks so much for this great way to start my day!!
Thanks Deb!
Have a great week!
Julie
Great (and unexpected) encouragement Julie – thank you! I was looking for some insight on dealing with peer pressure for my son and instead I got a big dose of it for me. I love the way God works. #IntentionalTuesday
God is so good and wise!
Blessings Joy!
Julie
Such wise words, Julie. It can be so easy to fall prey to all the world tries to sell us as right and good and whole, if we aren’t truly rooted in truth. Thanks for your encouragement today to fill up with Christ. So glad to visit from #testimonytuesday!
Thanks Tiffany for stopping by!
Julie
never really thought of Herod that way before…
Annette- glad you stopped!
Julie
“The more we become of the world, the less we become like God. The woman who conforms to the culture circumvents her faith.” Powerful words, Julie, that remind me to stand strong by immersing myself in His presence.
Though I do actually like those infinity scarves, Julie. Thank you for sharing. : )
Crystal- I like the way the scarves look on others, but I feel like I’m being strangled. ;0)
I will wear them once in a way, because I want to fit in, but it’s a painful fashion statement for me.
Have a great week!
Julie
I was transformed back to my aqua net days! Thank you for the great post! Your neighbor at #tellhisstory
Angela- Aquanet is some strong stuff, no wind is moving that sprayed hair!
Thanks for stopping!
Julie
Julie, it’s so easy to give in to that peer pressure, what the Bible calls the “fear of man.” Proverbs tells us that kind of fear brings a snare. You’ve shared many of the ways it does just that! Great reminders! I’m your neighbor at “Coffee for Your Heart.”
Donna- thanks for stopping! Yes, peer pressure is strong. We need to keep our focus on Jesus instead!
Julie
Grrr… why is it so easy to fall to the pressures of the world? I guess that’s why God warns us about living in the world but not of it! He knows it’s tough, but He knows we can turn to Him for strength, too. Thanks for the reminder to stay intentional, Julie!
Blessings, my friend!
Lori
Lori- the world’s pressures are inviting and will give us a short pleasure, right?
Don’t we want to ditch the struggles and pain? We deserve a break, don’t we?
I think that’s why it’s tempting. We don’t want to go it alone,and we want others to like us.
So glad for that strength of our Savior!
Hugs to you!
Julie