Peer pressure is a powerful force that can impact people in many different walks of life, including those in ministry. As a minister, it is important to be aware of the potential influence of peer pressure and to turn to the Bible for guidance on how to navigate these challenges.
One example of peer pressure in ministry can be seen in the story of Peter, a leader among the early Christians. In Galatians 2:11-13, the apostle Paul recounts how Peter was influenced by the opinions of other believers and stopped associating with Gentile Christians:
“When Peter came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he was clearly in the wrong. Before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles because he was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group.”
In this passage, we see that Peter allowed the opinions of others to influence his actions, even though he knew it was wrong. This is a reminder that as ministers, we must be careful not to let the opinions of others dictate our behavior, but rather to seek guidance from God and the word of the God.
Another example of peer pressure in ministry can be found in the story of King Saul. In 1 Samuel 15, God commands Saul to completely destroy the Amalekites and all their possessions. However, Saul spares the king and the best of the sheep and cattle, to offer them as a sacrifice to God. When the prophet Samuel confronts Saul about his disobedience, Saul blames it on the influence of his soldiers:
“But I did obey the Lord, Saul said. I went on the mission the Lord gave me. I brought back Agag, the Amalekite king, and I completely destroyed the Amalekites. That’s why the people took sheep and cattle from the plunder, to sacrifice them to the Lord your God in Gilgal.
In this passage, we see that Saul allowed the pressure from his soldiers to lead him into disobedience to God. This is a reminder that as ministers, we must be strong in our faith and not allow the opinions or actions of others to lead us away from God’s will.
In order to resist the pressure to conform to the opinions and actions of others, it is important to regularly seek guidance from God through prayer and the study of the Bible. In James 1:5, we are told: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. By seeking God’s wisdom and guidance, we can be better equipped to stand firm in our faith and resist the pressure to conform to the world.
Additionally, it is important to surround ourselves with other believers who will support and encourage us in our walk with God. In Hebrews 10:24-25, we are told: And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. By regularly meeting with other believers and encouraging one another in our faith, we can find the strength and support we need to resist the pressure to conform to the world.
Peer pressure is a real and powerful force that can impact ministers just as it can any other group of people. However, by seeking guidance from God, studying the Bible, and surrounding ourselves with supportive and encouraging believers, we can resist the pressure to conform and remain faithful to God. As it is written in Proverbs 27:17, As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.
Yours In His Service
C. C. RAYMOND
