Peer Pressure

Peer Pressure

Bible: 1 Samuel 24:1-10

The wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving (JAMES 3:17).

Reading

All of Kiera’s friends were having sex with their boyfriends. One boy she’d gone on a date with had told her he couldn’t handle a relationship that didn’t have sex involved. She was sure people were talking about her because she was still a virgin. And her friends were starting to really put her under pressure. Maybe life would be easier if she had sex with someone . . . David knew about peer pressure. David and his friends were hiding from King Saul (who was trying to kill them) in a cave (1 SAMUEL 24). Saul came into the cave but he couldn’t see them. In the darkness, David’s friends tried to pressurise David into killing Saul (VV.4,10). But David said “No”. He knew Saul was in the wrong, but he also knew that Saul was “the Lord’s anointed [the person God had chosen to be king]” (V.6). What God said came first. Our friends will sometimes want us to do things they think are a good idea. Especially when it comes to sex; we’re told we can’t be living a complete life if we’re not having sex! But there’s a difference between what seems like a good idea to people and what actually pleases God (1 CORINTHIANS 2:6-7). Wisdom from God “is first of all pure, then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy” (JAMES 3:17). If we’re being pressurised to do anything that doesn’t match what God says, then it’s probably not a good idea. When others are pushing us to do anything that is against the Bible, we need to remember that pleasing Him is what counts. And if we get laughed at for following His ways, He promises to be our strength during those times (MATTHEW 5:10-11).

AM I NOW TRYING TO WIN THE APPROVAL OF
HUMAN BEINGS OR OF GOD? GALATIANS 1:10

YouTh Edition – Our Daily Bread Ministries