When we think of peer pressure, school aged children likely come to mind. Peer pressure doesn’t just affect those in school; adults can be affected as well. Society generally has an impact on us whether it’s how we choose to dress, how we choose to speak or how we choose to behave. Christians are no less susceptible to various pressures of temptation from the world than anyone else. Peer pressure is not exclusive to those who we directly associate with either; it can come from people on television and the internet as well. It’s important as Christians that we are grounded enough in our faith so we can better discern what negative pressures to avoid.
Here are some things that have come to mind regarding adult peer pressure:
- Our company: Who we choose to allow into our lives can have an impact on us. I believe the Bible tell us to forsake not the assembling of the saints for this reason; Christians ought to have the support and encouragement of other Christians. The ways of others who do not follow a Christian lifestyle can have more impact on us in a negative way than we realize. Though our hope might be to influence others positively, if we’re not careful, we might be tempted to backslide.
- Time in the Bible: The best way to discern and avoid negative peer pressure is to know what the Bible has to say about sin. How will we really know if we don’t read? We really do need more of the word than what the pastor has to share on Sunday morning and we need to store the word in our hearts.
- Going places: We ought to consider where we’re spending our time; are we frequenting places that leave us vulnerable to temptation? Whether it is exposing ourselves to websites that are not pleasing to God or going places where as a Christian or/and a spouse we shouldn’t be, we need to realize we could be opening ourselves up to various pressures and temptations from others that can draw us from a relationship with the Lord.
- Behavioral changes: Are we noticing changes in our attitude toward God or things that are wholesome? If you feel like you are becoming desensitized to sins you were once sensitive to, you might take a good look at changes that have taken place whether gradual or more instant and decide whether there are some weeds you need to pull up and toss out of your life.
“How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. With my whole heart I have sought You; oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” (Psalm 119:9-11; NKJV)
For related blogs in support of withstanding negative peer pressure please visit:
What Does the Bible Teach Us About Good Company? Part 1
What Does the Bible Teach Us About Good Company? Part 2
Are Christians Called to be Tolerant?