RESISTING PEER PRESSURE

Guest Post by Author Nancy Lewis-Shelton

“Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor.

“Barabbas,” they answered.

“What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” Pilate asked.

They all answered,  “Crucify him!”

“Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate.

But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!”

Matthew 27: 21-23 (NIV)

As I re-read Matthew 27, I can imagine myself in the crowd, listening to Pilate question the dirty, beaten man called Jesus who is accused, mocked, and assaulted by the leaders. I watch as Pilate tries to avoid making a choice, but the crowd’s insistence grows, so loud it hurts my ears. Wanting to please the noisy mob, Pilate finally agrees to have Jesus flogged and handed over to be crucified. All around me, I study the angry faces, wondering what has happened to these people. How can so many join the throng yelling, “Crucify him!”

In James, I am reminded that withstanding temptation is a way to strengthen our faith. Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial. Because having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. James 1:12 (NIV) However, peer pressure can be a strong influence on people’s beliefs and behavior. When I was a teacher, school staff spent lots of time dealing with peer pressure. Counseling lessons, literature stories, and discussions about recess incidents provided venues to talk with the children about positive ways to handle problems with peers.

My students’ situations often reminded me of my own struggles with negative peer influences. In middle school, I had the courage to not participate as others teased a handicapped child. In high school, I refused offers of pills and liquor. But not always have I resisted pressures. I recall when guilt overwhelmed me because, at her insistence, a popular girl copied answers from my paper.

Even as an adult, there are times when I have been tempted by others. When I had an invitation to attend a fall festival with a friend, I explained I had agreed to teach a lesson during the children’s services that Sunday. She complained, “You go to church every week. Get someone else to do it.” I took a deep breath, said a silent prayer, and trusted God to give me the strength to make the right decision.

Thought: Over the years, I have realized that peer pressure will always be a part of life. I will pray for God’s guidance when tempted to follow what I know is the wrong path.

Nancy Lewis-Shelton retired from public education after years as a classroom teacher and school counselor. Published work includes devotionals and fiction/non-fiction short stories for adults and children. Recent publications include two fiction novellas about Cookie, a pet sitter. Volunteer activities include: church senior choir, elementary school Reading Buddy (Council of Churches), and a local oral storytelling group. When she’s not writing or volunteering, you might find her digging in the garden, playing bridge, reading, enjoying events with her daughter’s family, or participating in activities with her pet therapy dog, Robin.