The Cloak

People tend to talk about peer pressure as if it only affects teenagers, but the truth is, it doesn’t magically go away once you turn twenty. And because peer pressure will always be a part of life, it’s important that we learn how to deal with it well.

Why are we as humans so easily overcome by peer pressure? Well, because we’re hardwired for community. God, who lives in constant community as three Persons in One, created us in His image, so we reflect God’s love of community. And that’s a good thing!

However, sin takes this good desire for community and warps it, twisting it into a fear-driven need to be liked by those around us. Satan fills our heads with thoughts like, “They won’t like me if I don’t join in†or “If they do it, it can’t be that bad, right?â€

Nobody is immune to this! Look at today’s reading in 1 Corinthians 15. Paul is writing to the church in Corinth that has been peer-pressured into believing nobody could be resurrected from the dead. Jesus’ resurrection (and our resurrection when He returns) is a HUGE part of the gospel—in fact, with no resurrection, there is no gospel. By giving in to peer pressure, the Corinthian Christians were denying the gospel.

So, how do we avoid being peer-pressured into compromising the gospel? Should we just avoid everyone? No! The answer isn’t isolation—it’s gospel-centered community.

Surround yourself with people who love Jesus and serve Him. Remind each other of your identity in Christ, which nobody can shake. Remind each other you are already dearly loved by Jesus and His people, so you don’t need to seek anybody else’s approval. Constantly point each other back to God’s Word so you can stand firm in His Truth. And rest in the sure hope that, someday, Jesus will return to defeat all fear and sin, and we will live together in perfect community with Him. • Taylor Eising

• If you don’t know the truths of the gospel, it’s really easy to compromise them without realizing it. How does studying God’s Word together help you stand strong in the truth?

• How can knowing Jesus’ great love for you—and the love His people have for you—help you fight against the lie that you need to earn the approval of others?

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Hebrews 10:24 (NIV)

Read Verses:

Romans 8:1-2, 32-34; Ephesians 4:30-32