I was the whip they used that day,
To chastise the Son of Man.
As I struck his back, I heard Him pray;
“Father, strength to follow Thy plan.”
I was the whip that caused Him pain,
At Calvary’s — Goliath’s hill;
And watched as Blood flowed like rain,
As a Roman’s hand scourged with skill.
I am the whip within your hand
Follow not Pilate’s cowardly decree;
Repent, and scourge not the Son of Man —
Precious one, He died to set you free![/pullquote4]When people are desperately trying to fit in, they fail to see the consequences of participating in behavior that they instinctively know is not right for them. Did you ever wonder why Pilate gave in to peer pressure? His name has become synonymous with leaders who don’t have the backbone to make the right decision. He allowed Christ to be tortured and crucified even though he personally found no fault with Him. Pilate had complete authority over life and death yet he lacked the courage to make bold or unpopular decisions.
Peer pressure is still very much a part of our society and can be found in every area of life from politics to churches. For church singles, it may involve dating the right (or wrong) person. For a pastor, it could be giving in to a board member because that person has money or influence. For church members, it could be getting involved with projects that you really don’t support. For staff members in large ministries, it could be the pressure to do something that falls within one of those “gray areas”. While there is no one single scripture in the Bible that speaks directly of peer pressure, anything regarding temptation would apply.
Succumbing to peer pressure does not usually end well. Remember, wrong is wrong even if no one gets caught. Having moral ethics based on the Word of God serves to set a clear standard between right and wrong. When peer pressure knocks on your door, take a stand in love and never allow yourself to go along with something that is unjust. (see Proverbs 16:11; 20-23; Micah 6:11).
Romans 12.2 says, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Since peer pressure is largely about insecurity and a desire for acceptance, the closer we are to God, the less likely we are to listen to any other voice.
Some helpful scriptures on peer pressure are found below:
Prov. 1:10-15 – Be wise & avoid evil.
Prov. 4:14-15 – Avoid, turn away.
1 Cor. 15:33-34 – Know the power of influence.
Psa. 1:1-2 – Choose associates carefully.
To avoid peer pressure, we must shift our desire for approval from earth (men) to heaven (God). Seek heavenly approval rather than earthly approval and the Holy Spirit will help you avoid the pressure to succumb to anything that is contrary to His will.
“As we have already said, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned. Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were trying to please men, I would not be a servant of God” (Gal. 1:9-10).
If you can see your difficulties as beneficial experiences that you overcame, and remember that these experiences made you stronger and wiser, then the tenacity of hope will help you make better decisions however adverse your circumstances may seem.
Father, strengthen my resolve to stand firm upon the Rock, Christ Jesus, who alone has the power to grant wisdom, and enable me to make quality decisions which bring hope and healing in times of need.
