Digging Deeper – Peer Pressure
4 With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; 5 but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
1 Peter 4:4-5 (ESV)
PEER PRESSURE
When you begin to follow Jesus, you won’t desire the same worldly lifestyle that you used to enjoy. Your unbelieving friends may be surprised that you no longer want to do the same things or visit the usual places. Peter reminds us that these friends will not only be shocked at our changing desires and behavior, but they will malign us. They may take your avoidance as an insult. The word for “malign” in the Greek language means to “heap abuse on” or “slander.” Peter doesn’t want us to feel the pressure to garner their acceptance, so he reminds us that they will have to give account to God for their carnal lifestyle and choices one day.
How else can we stand against the pressure to conform? The principle in the following verse is critical to our pursuit of godliness. Ecclesiastes 4:12 (ESV) says, “And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” There is power in numbers! We need positive peer pressure from other believers to encourage us to stay strong and fight well. Christianity is not a solo sport. It’s a team effort. You need other believers’ gifts, strength, and encouragement to keep you strong. And others need you. Who are your running partners? Who will be with you when the going gets tough?
When you see geese heading south for the winter, flying along in a “V” formation, you might be interested in knowing that science has discovered why they fly that way. Research has revealed that as each bird flaps its wings, it uplifts the bird immediately behind it. By flying in a “V” formation, the whole flock adds at least 71 percent greater flying range than if each bird flew independently. Whenever a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go alone. It quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front. When the lead goose gets tired, he rotates back in the “V,” and another goose flies the point. The geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed. Even geese have learned the power of community! Ask the Lord to give encouraging friends who make you want to stay true to the Lord.
Steve Roach serves as the Pastor of Spiritual Maturity at NorthStar Church. He and his wife, Amy, live in Acworth and have three girls, Olivia, Sydney, and Hayley and one son, Colton. He enjoys watching sports and spending time with his family.
