Peer Pressure
I if I still pleased men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.
Galatians 1:10

Peer pressure is part of everyday life, and does not only affect the young. Sometimes we base our decisions on what other people will think or say rather than on our convictions and on what will please God. We are worried that we will be judged or made fun of.
The apostle Paul experienced his fair share of peer pressure. Some Jewish Christians believed that Gentiles should be circumcised to be truly saved (Gal 1:7; see 6:12-15). However, Paul stood his ground. He continued to preach that salvation is by grace through faith alone; no further works are required. And for that he was accused of being a self-appointed apostle. They further asserted that his version of the Gospel had never received the apostles’ approval (2:1-10).
Despite the pressure, Paul was very clear about whom he served—Christ. God’s approval mattered most, not man’s. He made it his goal not to win the approval of people, but of God (1:10).
Similarly, we are Christ’s servants. We serve God whether people honour or despise us, whether they slander or praise us. One day, “each of us will give an account of ourselves to God” (Rom 14:12). That does not mean that we should not consider what people think or say, but ultimately, we make pleasing God our main concern. We want to hear our Saviour say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matt 25:23).
Bible Reading
Galatians 1:6-12.
Prayer
Dear Lord, no matter what others may say or do, give me the courage to be faithful to You today.In Jesus name. Amen.
Comments