In this day of social media and every other form of communication, adults and especially children are bombarded with peer pressure. Sometimes, unfortunately, a large number have become depressed and have surrendered to hopelessness and committed suicide.
The Apostle Paul wrote these words about peer pressure :
1Corinthians 4:1 ¶ Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards (household managers) of the mysteries of God.
2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.
4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.
5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
Notice:
- Be Faithful to God first. Vs. 2
- Never Give value to criticism of others, if you love and please the Lord God
- They are not qualified, since they are not perfect either. Vs. 3
- You are not qualified either, we think too highly or lowly of ourselves. Vs. 4
- It’s not time yet, God’s still working on us. The portrait of your life is not yet complete. Vs . 5
The Apostle had many critics, yet he didn’t allow criticism to keep him from being obedient to what was right and doing what was God’s will for his life.
Someone said, “STAND UP FOR WHAT’S RIGHT, EVEN IF YOU HAVE TO STAND ALONE.” Paul had to stand alone quite often in his service to God. In verse three, the word, “a very small thing,” is very descriptive. The New Testament was written in Greek, a very pictorial language. The words mean, “the smallest or least of all.” Paul did not allow peer pressure to influence him, he was driven by a whole hearted desire to please his creator, God Almighty. Jesus, Who gave His all on Calvary’s cross, was Paul’s example.
People have occasionally described peer pressure and a large ocean. No matter how small the boat, the ocean cannot overwhelm it as long as it keeps the water out. Thus, don’t take the peer pressure in and you will survive.
Unfortunately, most people don’t realize, God is our eternal judge. Paul was totally concerned with his pleasing his creator, not his fellow man. Yes, our testimony is very important, but not most important.
This author has said many times, “God loves me, what’s your problem?” If we are pleasing to God and love Jesus with all our hearts, it doesn’t matter much, if others don’t like or approve of us.
It is important to laugh at ourselves; we are often learning new and better ways. God is still working on me. Give yourself a break. Yes, we all make mistakes and even sin. But for a true believer, sin is the exception and not the rule of our lives.
Since, God, Who is our only perfect accurate eternal judge, loves us, what value or worth is the criticism of other imperfect beings?
Pastor Bill Haynes, PhD, P.O. Box 55221, Tulsa Okla., 74155
918-252-7758
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