| 1:43 MIN READ |

It’s something everyone battles. We all want to be accepted. We want to be a part of the group. It’s called peer pressure, and it’s not reserved for the young. It’s a very real adult problem.

The basic component of peer pressure is the desire and drive to “be like” and to “be liked.” It’s extremely powerful. It causes people to do all kinds of things, often violating their better judgment, discarding values they hold dear, and contrary to their faith and convictions. Who could measure the number of bad decisions made by people because of peer pressure?

This problem isn’t a contemporary one. It’s always been an issue. The Israelites in the Old Testament made lots of bad decisions because they wanted to “be like” and “be liked” by others.

One example is seen in the story of Israel’s move from a theocracy (God as their King), to a monarchy. It happened during the days of Samuel the prophet. This poor decision is credited to peer pressure. Take a look at a part of this story found in 1 Samuel 8:4, 5 (NIV) “So all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel … They said … ‘now appoint a king to lead us such as the other nations have.’” And continuing in 1 Samuel 8:19, 20 (NIV) “But the people refused to listen to Samuel. ‘No!” They said. ‘We want a king over us. Then we will be like all the other nations …‘“

This decision led to lots of problems for the Israelites. It was the result of wanting to “be like” and “be liked” by other nations.

How about you? What influence does peer pressure have in your life? Do you compromise morality to be accepted? Do you hide your faith for fear of being ostracized? Let’s choose the pathway of bold living that pleases God above all others!

Pastor Dale

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