Peer Pressure

A public promise, under the influence of alcohol, often leads to a rash decision. This is the mindset of a person in power who is driven by pride and by pleasing people. Leaders, without a divine moral compass, will justify their decisions based solely on what others think. Negative peer pressure can persuade decision makers to make unwise decisions.

This happens at work when we want to please everyone and end up pleasing no one. It is futile to strive for outcomes that require a consensus 100% of the time. As a leader, gather input and seek privately the buy in of influencers, but most of all ask, “What does Christ think?” The gentle pressure applied by the Holy Spirit leads to greater gain in the long run.

However, there is a positive peer pressure. After a process off prayer, planning and testing assumptions you and the team make a public declaration of a determined course. Those who trust you are looking for implementation of the agreed upon strategic direction. If you deviate from the plan, you risk diluting your creditability. Positive peer pressure is accountability to follow through with collaborative goals and milestones.

Most importantly, positive peer pressure comes when you publically profess Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. A Christ-centered community creates a loving environment of accountability for those who are followers of Jesus. This is why you engage in church as a volunteer teacher, small group leader, parking attendant, worship leader or greeter. Your private faith is meant to become a public expression that encourages others to be bold. Confess Christ with your lips and let your life be evidence that what you say is true.

“That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame” (Romans 10:9-11).

What negative peer pressure do I need to avoid? What positive peer pressure do I need to embrace?

Related Readings: Job 2:9; Ruth 1:16-18; Acts 4:32-37; 1 Timothy 6:12-14