Peer pressure is a perpetual problem that has to be addressed again in every generation. It takes the game of “Follow the Leader” to the extreme of losing one’s own identity. It originates with the fear of rejection.
Influence is defined as that ability to persuade, affect, alter, or sway an opinion or situation without any force or direct authority. Influence and leadership go hand in hand. The problem is that if you allow yourself to be persuaded by bad influence, it will lead you in the wrong direction. God designed you to think for yourself. When you lose your ability to decide for yourself, you lose who you are.
Romans 12:2 (NLT)
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you… by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Practical Application and Assignments:
You can become so involved in meeting everyone else’s expectation that you lose your ability to lead. John Maxwell said, “The man who follows the crowd will never be followed by the crowd.”
- Answer the following questions: Have your life experiences had a positive or negative effect on you? Are you continuing to grow and develop your independence, or have negative influences pressured you to allow others to make your decisions?
- Respect your opinions. Being controlled by fear of rejection will cause you to become a people pleaser. The day you allow others to think for you, is the day you are no longer free.
- Be content with who you are. Don’t give up your identity by compromising your convictions to impress others. In other words, don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mold. Don’t pick the wrong heroes because the people you most admire will have the greatest influence in your life.
“Do your own work well…don’t compare yourself to others.” Galatians 6:4 (CEV)
