APP: One of the biggest influences in our lives is peer pressure. It’s the pressure we get from those around us to follow their way of thinking about life. For some this “force” from our friends can be so strong it becomes a sort of self-imposed prison. The pressure to conform tells us what we think about ourselves, parents, language, and lifestyle and even what we buy into as being right and wrong. But there’s something subtle that motivates us to conform—the need for acceptance. Everyone wants to feel like they belong. The real fear is how far we will go to be accepted and what we will compromise to fit in. Our best defense to the problem of peer pressure is to become innerdirected rather than taking our guidance in life from outside. Not a lot of people really want to be chameleons that adapt to their surroundings just for survival. To be inner-directed we have to choose our friends carefully, develop a set of personal standards to live by based on a biblical worldview, know and understand who we are, and do what is right—not what is convenient.
No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.
1 CORINTHIANS 10:13 NASB
The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.
1 JOHN 2:17 NIV
Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord.
EPHESIANS 5:6–10 NIV
He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.
PROVERBS 13:20 NASB
Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”
1 CORINTHIANS 15:33 NIV