As a high school teacher, I see first-hand how peer pressure can persuade a student to do things that he or she normally would never even think about. But peer pressure doesn't just affect teens; It affects adults too. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus was sent to Pilate, the Roman Emperor of the time. The Pharisees wanted to kill Jesus, so they managed to convince much of the people that Jesus was guilty of blasphemy. Most of the peoples' opinions were steered by the false accusations of a few of these religious "leaders". But once Pilate interrogated Jesus, he couldn't find that any crime had been committed. But the people demanded that Jesus be crucified. Pilate, the mighty emperor, caved-in to peer pressure. Pilate wanted to avoid a riot, and although he believed Jesus was innocent, he ordered His Crucifixion anyway.
Whether we know it or not, we, too are affected by peer pressure. As you are walking today with the Lord, pray that Jesus will help you to make all the right decisions, not just because everybody else is making those decisions, but because those decisions are the right ones. And also say a special prayer for our young people today, that they will stay grounded in the teachings of the Bible and that they will also make the right decisions without the influence of their peers. Making decisions can be the hardest thing we do all day. But as long as God is directing our lives, we will certainly make many more good ones than bad ones. Instead of all the bad influences affecting others, maybe we can become the positive influence in their lives Maybe we can be their peer pressure.
Proverbs 18:10 says, "The Lord is a strong tower: The righteous runneth into it and is safe."
Father, I ask you to help me to make the right decisions today. I put 100% trust in You. In Jesus name, Amen.
Great devotion today!
ReplyDeleteI know that peer pressure issues can happen at any age,
but it seems it is worse on children and teenagers. I pray
that my boys and nieces do not give in to stupidity caused
by peer pressure!
Very good subject, peer pressure runs ramped in the young. They are trying to define themselve and figure out who they are. And I also see people using it as an excuse to keep from being responsible for decisions they make and blaming it on other things or other people, saying that they were influenced into doing it. So I see 2 sides of peer pressure .Like you said, God being in our lives helps us with our decisions.This is such a good devotion , Kids now days are going through so much out there . I can see you love what you do.
ReplyDeleteI've never thought about peer pressure from this perspective. Wow.
ReplyDeleteThis is very, very nourishing food for thought.
Thank you for taking a topic we usually pigeonhole and making it spiritually relatable.
WOW! You have no idea how much I needed this. Such a great devotion this morning and it really spoke to me. Thanks for posting this! Blessings to you!
ReplyDelete