Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.
- I John 2:15-17
|
How do the following texts speak of being in the world physically, but not of the world spiritually? I pray not that Thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that Thou shouldest keep them from the evil. - John 17:15 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candIe, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. - Matthew 5:14-16 |
Peer pressure is very important to understand. Most teens and young adults who say or do something seriously wrong would not have done so if they had been alone. Peer pressure is a strong motivating force for misbehaving.
Peer group pressure can be either positive or negative. Therefore our selection of friends is very important, for friendship is mutually influencing. Due to our sinful fall, however, most peer pressure is worldly. Worldliness in Scripture is the opposite of godliness. Godliness is living a life of love toward God and others. Worldliness is living a life of selfish lust. The "gods" of "this world" are:
|
|
Sensual, immodest, and sexually provocative dress, talk, action, parties, and entertainments |
|
|
Glamorous and showy cars, homes, dress, vacations, and other flashy possessions |
|
|
Lofty and proud views of positions, honors, attainments, looks, athletic abilities, talents, popularity, or other "desirable" features |
We are called to live separate from the world - not physically, but spiritually. We are not to live for nor "worship" the "gods of this world," but to worship God. We are to live for God, His Word, His cause, and His kingdom. Weare to live from a motive of love toward God and others. Good and evil peer groups can be distinguished from each other according to this difference.
The following pointers can serve as practical helps when trying to combat worldly peer pressure.
TEN POINTERS TO WITHSTAND EVIL PEER PRESSURE
Seek grace to:
