Peer Pressure
Mike Johnson
A woman who had reached the age of 102 was discussing her longevity. She said, “Well, at least I don’t have to worry about peer pressure.” Someone 102 probably has no peers left. However, peer pressure influences most people, to one degree or another, and it is a powerful tool of Satan.
Solomon Asch, a renowned psychologist, and his associates conducted a study in the 1950s on the influence of groups on their members. In this study, subjects were asked to compare and match the lengths of various lines. Asch arranged for all but one with each test to deliberately give incorrect answers. The study examined how the majority’s incorrect responses influenced one person (the naive individual). The study included 59 naive subjects. One-fourth reported the actual lengths of the lines, though this meant contradicting the rest of the group’s answers. The study said the rest of the participants agreed with, or yielded to, the group for various reasons. The first group, the smallest group, was unaware that their estimates had become distorted. These had a “distortion of perception,” as they came to perceive the majority as correct. Most had what was called a “distortion of judgment.” They doubted themselves but, due to a lack of confidence in their perceptions, came to believe that they were wrong and that the majority were right. The third group had a “distortion of action.” They knew that their answers were incorrect but felt a great need to go along with the rest. They did not want to be different from the group.
The above study illustrates the powerful impact of peer pressure. Some people will stand up for what is correct regardless. However, many will, for one reason or another, be negatively affected by peer pressure. Some say, “Since others are going in a particular direction, it must be fine. Others say, “The majority might be wrong, but I will go along with them.” Still others know the group is wrong, but they are not strong enough to stand on their own. We must not allow the influence of our peers to cause us to sin. A young person’s morals can be especially affected by those with whom they associate. Likewise, older people’s religious beliefs and attitudes toward religion can be influenced by those around them. Exodus 23:2 says, “You shall not follow a crowd to do evil….”
Consider a few Bible cases where different ones gave in to this tool of Satan. The first example is Rehoboam, who became king of Israel when Solomon, his father, died (1 Kings 12). Rehoboam was unwilling to listen to the older men. Instead, he sought the counsel of the young men (his peers). They influenced him to put a more substantial burden upon the people, which ultimately resulted in ruin for Israel.
Another example is Herod. Herod arrested John, who had rebuked him for his unscriptural marriage (Mt. 14). The daughter of Herod’s wife danced for Herod and his friends at a birthday banquet, and he liked her dancing so much he offered her anything that she wished—up to half of his kingdom. Having been instructed by her mother, she requested John’s head on a platter. Herod did not want to kill John, but he did because he had made an oath and, importantly, because of his dinner guests. They influenced his decision; he yielded to their pressure.
A third example is Peter. Paul (Galatians 2:14) had to rebuke Peter “before them all” for his hypocrisy. While in Antioch, Peter would treat the Gentiles properly until some Jews from Jerusalem arrived. When these Jews were around, he would not have anything to do with them. Peer pressure caused this attitude toward the Gentiles.
Next, consider the story of the golden calf found in Exodus 32. When Moses was delayed in returning from the mountain, the people pressured Aaron to make a golden calf for them to worship. Instead of obeying God, Aaron gave in to their demands.
The majority will often ridicule, intimidate, and laugh at the person with convictions (See 1 Pet. 4:1-6). Also, sin does not seem as wrong when most of one’s peers practice it. People seem to need to be in step with those around them. It takes a great deal of courage to be different and to resist peer pressure.
Are we strong enough to resist the influence of our peers when they are doing wrong? Those around us must not be allowed to be a negative influence. Peer pressure will cause many to be lost. 1 Corinthians 16:13 says, “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong” (NASB).
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Sound Doctrine
Gary Smalley
The New Testament word “doctrine” simply means “teaching.” Students of the Scriptures realize very quickly that therein are two very distinct types of “doctrine,” the “doctrines of demons” (1 Timothy 4:1) and the “sound doctrine” (1 Timothy 4:6) whose originator is Christ (2 John 9). The “doctrines of demons” (“devils” in the KJV) are elsewhere in Scripture described as “varied and strange teachings” (Hebrews 13:9) and as having their origin in the “god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4). The devil is of course the god of this world, whom the Lord described this way: “… a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” (John 8:44). And the devil’s followers will be doing the devil’s work relative to doctrine: “But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves. Many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned; and in their greed they will exploit you with false words; …” (2 Peter 2:1-3a).
Concerning the doctrine that is opposed by the devil and those who belong to him, the doctrine of Christ is “sound teaching” (1 Timothy 1:10), “sound doctrine” (2 Timothy 4: 3; Titus 1:9; 2:1). To say that the doctrine is sound is to say that it is free from error, and thus totally reliable as truth. This teaching consisted of words selected by the Spirit of God, who searched the mind of God to reveal spiritual thoughts with spiritual words (1 Corinthians 2:10-13). These were the words that were taught by Christ and His apostles and prophets of the first century, inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16-17; John 7:16-17; 14:24-26; 16:12-15; Acts 2:42).
All of these faithful teachers of God’s pure message (“accurately handling the word of truth” – 2 Timothy 2:15) highlighted the importance of adherence to sound doctrine (“continue in the things you have learned … knowing from whom you have learned them” – 2 Timothy 3:14). The truth was so precious in its purity that it was to be entrusted “to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” (2 Timothy 2:2). Not every man adheres; not every man is faithful. “But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith,” (1 Timothy 4:1). Thus, the importance attached to Paul’s charge to Timothy, “preach the word.” (2 Timothy 4:2), for in time, there would arise some who “will not endure sound doctrine … and will turn away their ears from the truth” (2 Timothy 4:3-4).
Teaching sound doctrine is essential, being of prime importance among the true people of God. No hit-or-miss, slipshod, wishy-washy, careless approach when it comes to adhering to it will accomplish faithfulness. Paul further pointed out that the “good servant of Christ Jesus, [is] constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine …” (1 Timothy 4:6); the “good servant of Christ Jesus” points these things out to the brethren. Paul commanded, “Prescribe and teach these things.” (1 Timothy 4:11), and Timothy was charged, “Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.” (1 Timothy 4:16).
How vitally important it is for every Christian to work toward mastering the doctrine of Christ; it is not solely a task for preachers. Neglecting this emphasis by all the saints will allow the doctrines of demons to creep in and destroy the faith of many. Brethren, think on these things!
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“What Kind of Drugstore Is This?”
Edward O. Bragwell Jr.
I saw a cartoon posted in a brother’s drug store with the caption saying in effect: “What do you mean you don’t have nuts and bolts? What kind of drug store is this?” Our society expects more from a drug store than just drugs. The sign may say “DRUG STORE,” but we expect much more. It is rare, indeed, to find a drug store that is just that—a drug store.
Churches are like that. The sign may say “Church,” but we expect more. If it offers no more than what “church” suggests, then we ask, “What kind of church is this?”
“What do you mean you don’t have a basketball team? What kind of church is this?” It seems never to occur to some that the church is not in the recreation business. A church that meets for worship, preaches the gospel, teaches its members and cares for its own needy is just not with it. Never mind that the Bible gives not the slightest hint that the church may be in the recreational business. Folks still insist that the church may be in the recreational business. Folks still insist that the church provide it for young and old.
“What do you mean you don’t own a hospital or a nursing home? What kind of church is this?” It seems that folks expect the church to care for the medical needs of folks. The New Testament church was not in that kind of business. Of course, the church may pay the medical bill of a needy member that is a legitimate charge of the church. It may pay the electric bill or gas bill of such a one. But that is a far cry from the church going into the electric, gas, or hospital business.
“What do you mean you don’t have a general welfare fund? What kind of a church is this?” In a metropolitan area, calls come from bus stations, motels, phone booths, etc. asking for financial help. Occasionally, as we are able, we help some from our pocket. Sometimes we refer them to various social and civic agencies that are in that kind of business. It is extremely difficult to make folks understand that, as the Lord’s church, we are not in the general hand out business. As a church, we care for our own needy members. We sometimes help brethren elsewhere. We may at times assist another congregation with its needy when they are unable to do so themselves (cf. Acts 6:1-6; 11:27-30). We, as a Church, limit benevolence to Christians, not because we feel that others are undeserving, or that we are better than others—but because the Bible gives no authority for church benevolence to the world at large.
“What do you mean you don’t have a kitchen? What kind of church is this?” Nowadays a church without a kitchen must be either too poor or too backwards for our times. But the Bible says, “If any man hunger, let him eat at home (I Cor. 11:34; cf. Vs. 22). It is not that we do not like to eat. You can look at most of us and know that! But it is a matter of respecting authority.
It may be rare to find a drug store that just sells drugs. It is even more rare to find a church that does just what a church should do. A drug store that sells nuts and bolts, CB’s or cameras will probably prosper, suffering no damage from its innovations. But, it will still be more than just a drug store, no matter what the sign may say. Yet, a church that offers more than a church should (under Bible authority) is a more serious matter. It will have to answer to God for its innovation. It, too, will be more than a church regardless of what the sign may say.
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When the Wind Blows
Years ago, a farmer owned land along the Atlantic seacoast. He constantly advertised for hired hands. Most people were reluctant to work on farms along the Atlantic. They dreaded the awful storms that raged across the Atlantic, wreaking havoc on the buildings and crops.
As the farmer interviewed applicants for the job, he received a steady stream of refusals. Finally, a short, thin man, well past middle age, approached the farmer. “Are you a good farm hand?” the farmer asked him. “Well, I can sleep when the wind blows,” answered the little man. Although puzzled by this answer, the farmer, desperate for help, hired him.
The little man worked well around the farm, busy from dawn to dusk, and the farmer felt satisfied with the man’s work.
Then one night, the wind howled loudly in from off the shore. Jumping out of bed, the farmer grabbed a lantern and rushed next door to the hired hand’s sleeping quarters. He shook the little man and yelled, “Get up! Get up! A storm is coming! Tie things down before they blow away!”
The little man rolled over in bed and said firmly, “No sir. I told you, I can sleep when the wind blows.” Enraged by the old man’s response, the farmer was tempted to fire him on the spot. Instead, he hurried outside to prepare, as best he could under the circumstances, for the storm. To his amazement, he discovered that all of the haystacks had been covered with tarpaulins. The cows were in the barn, the chickens were in the coops, and the doors were barred. The shutters were tightly secured. Everything was tied down. Obviously, nothing could blow away.
The farmer then understood what his hired hand had meant, so he returned to his bed to also sleep while the wind blew.
MORAL: When you’re prepared, spiritually, mentally, and physically, you have nothing to fear. Can you sleep when the winds blow through your life? The hired hand in the story was able to sleep because he had secured the farm against the storm.
We, as believers in Christ, can secure ourselves against the storms of life if we become God’s child and then ground/anchor ourselves in the Word of God and His Promises therein.
Question: Since the Lord, through His Word (if we are grounded in it), guides and directs our steps, why should we fret to try to understand everything that happens along the way?
(Author Unknown)
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The Bible
Richie Thetford
A mother once gave her son a Bible and wrote these words inside the flyleaf: “This Bible will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from this Bible.” How true those words are. When we take the time to study our Bible, then we become more focused on living a righteous life before God. The Bible says: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). We cannot know how to properly divide God’s Word unless we do study. On the other hand, if we go about life living for ourselves, not caring about what God’s will for us is, then we will get caught up in sin and serve Satan. Every one of us holds the key to life, not only in this life but in eternity. That key is the Bible. Have you picked up the Bible lately, to study it, so that you will not be ashamed when your final day on this earth comes? Don’t let sin keep you from God’s Word!
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