Tag Archives: peer pressure

April 29
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“Then Saul said to Samuel, ‘I have sinned.  I violated the LORD’s command and your instructions.  I was afraid of the men and so I gave in to them.'”  (I Samuel 15:24, NIV)

It is a sad thing when leaders yield to evil for fear of what others may say or do, as Saul did in today’s reading.

The Christian disciple’s ambition is to always — and everywhere — care more for what his or her heavenly Father says than what others say. When there is disagreement, the child of God always sides with the Father.

Fear not what others may say or may do when you are faced with a moral decision.  “In all your ways acknowledge Him. . .”  – Luther

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February 3
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“Jesus entered the temple courts, and, while he was teaching, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him.  ‘By what authority are you doing these things?’, they asked.  ‘And who gave you this authority?’”  (Matthew 21:23, NIV)

There are some things that God requires that confounds the watching world: Love for one’s enemies; forgiveness of those who have harmed us; rejoicing in trial; and hopefulness in adversity.

As a disciple of Jesus, be prepared to answer those who ask: “By what authority. . .?”, because the ways of God are sometimes foreign even to those who inhabit the “temple courts” as the chief priests and elders of the people did in Jesus’ day.  Our “authority” is our heavenly Father.  It is His spirit within us.  It is His word informing our decisions.  We aspire to be like Him.

As many of us were taught years ago by our parents: Resist “peer pressure.”  Furthermore, obey the teaching of the One who created us, and loves us — no matter what and no matter who.   – Luther

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June 2
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“Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved human praise more than praise from God.” (John 12:42, NIV)

It is a natural desire to have the praise and affirmation of other people.

The people spoken of in today’s scripture passage loved Jesus, but they had a greater love for acceptance into the community (which was represented by the synagogue); and for the praise of those within that community.

As disciples of Jesus, our ambition is to seek the praise only of God. There are times when others will also praise the things we do that please God; and there are times when being a friend of God will make you an enemy of those you see every day. Particularly at such times, keep your eyes on God; grip His hand even tighter; and do your best to match His stride.

The preferences and the allegiances of other people is a crap-shoot. The love, grace, and faithfulness of God is a sure thing, but it requires an uncompromising commitment to Him from us. – Luther 

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