Peer pressure, in other words, the desire to be accepted by those we respect, isn’t just a teen problem—it’s universal!
We ALL want to be accepted by people we consider to be our “equals”—right?
In fact, we’d REALLY like to be accepted by those we admire and consider ABOVE us—right?!? Peer pressure can actually be helpful when it comes from the right people and produces the right results. If you’re an athlete, pressure from your team can make you play better. If you’re an attorney, pressure from your colleagues can make you a more effective litigator. However, the danger comes when we so desperately desire acceptance that we compromise our godly values and subject ourselves to terrible abuse in order to obtain it!
Having an inordinately strong desire to be accepted will be reflected in everything we do—our social media posts, what we wear, where we go, who we choose to allow shape our life, etc., and—will make slaves of our soul. We contort ourselves into something we were never meant to be and in the process—we are anxious, depressed, dissatisfied and lonely because—we know we were made for so much more.
God has a much better plan for you than to live under the cruel enslavement of fickle people struggling with the same sin nature you do!
Our greatest, most unwavering acceptance is found when we are born into the family of God. There is no one greater than God. There is no one who deserves our greater admiration. When Almighty God looks upon one who is HIS child, He sees one of His beloved—just like Jesus. The Bible says:
“And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.”
Galatians 4:6-7
When we are born again, we are accepted by God THROUGH Christ. We are IN with the most powerful Being on earth and Heaven! Every other person we admire is less than Him and should take second place in our consideration when we consider who we desire to please. As we please God through obedience to His Word, we discover that we LOVE pleasing Him. Unlike our peers, God is not a fickle lover—bound by the chains of sin. He IS love!
When we are living to please God, His strength and security flow through us like the blood in our veins and we know we don’t need the approval of our peers anymore than a lion needs the approval of a pack of wolves! When we KNOW we belong to God—we have the acceptance we need MOST!
When we live in God’s will, His love fills up all the needy places in our heart.
To learn more about Kimberly Faith and the mission of Faith Strong, click HERE.
Out Now – Essential Faith, Volume II. Find it on Amazon by clicking HERE.
