Follow the crowd or...
Being in between a rock and a hard place is not a comfortable spot to be in. What is a youth in, High school, college or uni, or even an adult to do? Peer pressure affects "all" ages, not just the young people. Here you are, a Christian, and yet you think some of the things that other people are doing in school or in the workplace, seem completely harmless. It sort of seems it could be borderline as to what Jesus would accept.
Ever think to yourself, "Oh man, what am I gonna do? I don't want to seem like a nerd? A holy-roller? I don't want to be THAT different. I want to be accepted and yet I want people to like me just the way I am; a Christian."
The Rock is Jesus Christ, and the hard place is the world with its pressure. Many Christians today try to straddle that fence between the two, and end up falling off on the wrong side of the fence, the "hard place". Straddling the fence is dangerous in itself, because we "compromise." We try to keep peace. But, in reality, we can only serve ONE master. Either Jesus Christ or (our old master) Satan.
My godly wisdom tells me to offer this advice. KEEP, in God's Word every day. I suggest getting yourself a One Year Bible that disciplines you in your reading commitment to Christ. Meditate on what you have read. Joshua gives us an advice ‘do not let this Book of the Law (BIBLE) depart from your mouth, meditate on it day and night.’ Look for things that God wants you to apply in your own life, and then do it. The "closer" your walk is with Jesus every day the easier it will become to make the "right" decisions and avoid pressure.
Know who you are in Jesus Christ. Understanding your identity in Christ is absolutely essential for your success at living a victorious Christian life. Its either black or white, no grays in between if you want to challenge the challenges you face. I have friends whom would not understand me at first but they have come to appreciate me for who I am and respect my values and beliefs.
One thing I have learnt over several years and still trying hard to do is to set the truth free. How do I do this? By letting people know what I believe in as the truth. By doing this I give the truth an opportunity to lead me. I have never believed that my identity comes from what the majority think and say about me. This is what I believe in and what makes me unique, my identity as a Christian comes from what God has done for me, and is still doing.
Carry these following questions around with you on a piece of paper and when/if you get cornered with a difficult decision ask yourself before you do or say anything:
1. Is it the Godly norm? (Whatever is True)
2. Is it worthy of trust? (Whatever is Honest)
3. Does it conform to holiness? (Whatever is Just)
4. Could it corrupt spirituality? (Whatever is Pure)
5. Would Jesus embrace it? (Whatever is Lovely)
6. Would it attract others to Christ? (Whatever is of a Good Report). . .
. . .think on these things. . .and do. . .and the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:8-9)
This also means Christian think about who you are in Christ. You are an Ambassador for Christ. He has chosen you to be His messenger; to represent Him. What an honor!
You are employed by the Creator of the universe, Jesus Christ, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 30 days a month, 365 days a year. "And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that in the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ." (Colossians 3:23-24)
One day, when you leave this temporary world, and cross over onto God's eternal celestial shores of. . .Home, wouldn't it be awesome to see the glory of Jesus' face look upon you and say, "'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord.'" (Matthew 25:23)
Jesus never said this life would be easy my dear brothers and sisters, but He did say, it will be worth it all. Christ is your rock; the hard place is the world. Satan and his demonic wrecking crew rule this earth trying to lure you with all sorts of ‘good and cool stuff’. Which one do you want to hang out with?
The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. (Psalm 18:2)
Here is the crowd I recommend all Christians to hang out with, and they are:
Joshua, Ruth, Samuel, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Paul, Kind David, King Solomon, Timothy, Joshua, etc. etc. I'm sure you'll enjoy hanging out with this crowd as much as I do. And we can all benefit from all of them, don't you agree?
