May 1998 Issue

Peer Pressure

By Mike Johnson

A woman who had reached the age of 102 was discussing her longevity. She said, "Well, at least I don't have to worry about peer pressure." Someone 102 probably does not have any peers left. However, peer pressure influences most people, to one degree or another, and it is a great tool of Satan.

Sidney Asch and his associates conducted one study on how groups influence members. In this study, they asked subjects to compare and match lengths of various lines. Asch arranged for all but one with each test to deliberately give incorrect answers. The study involved how the incorrect answers of the majority influenced the one person (the naive one).

The study included 59 naive subjects. One-fourth reported the true lengths of the lines though this meant contradicting the answers of the rest of the group. The study reported that the rest of the participants agreed with, or yielded to, the group for various reasons. The first group, the smallest group, was unaware that their estimates had been distorted. These had a "distortion of perception," as they came to perceive the majority as correct. Most had what was called a "distortion of judgment." They doubted themselves and, due to a lack of confidence in their own perceptions, came to believe that their perceptions were wrong and that the majority were right. The third group had a "distortion of action." These knew that their answers were incorrect but felt a great need to go along with the rest. They did not want to be different from the group.

Our peers can clearly influence us in our thinking and practices in a very negative way. We must not allow the pressure of our peers influence us to sin. Young people's morals can be particularly influenced by their peers. Likewise, older people's religious beliefs and attitudes toward religion can be especially influenced by those around them. Exodus 23:2 says, "Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil...."

The majority will often ridicule, intimidate, and laugh at the person with convictions. Also, sin does not look as wrong when most of one's peers practice it. People seem to have a great need to be in step with those around them. It takes a great deal of conviction to be different and to resist peer pressure.

Consider a few Bible cases where different ones gave in to this tool of Satan. The first example is Rehoboam who became king of Israel when Solomon, his father, died (I Kings 12). Rehoboam was unwilling to listen to the older men. Instead, he sought the counsel of the young men (his peers). They influenced him to put a heavier burden upon the people which ultimately resulted in ruin for Israel. Another example is Herod. Herod arrested John who had rebuked him for his unscriptural marriage (Mt. 14). The daughter of Herod's wife danced for Herod and his friends at a birthday banquet, and he liked her dancing so much that he offered her anything that she wished up to half of his kingdom. Having been instructed by her mother, she requested John's head on a platter. Herod did not want to kill John, but because he had made an oath and, importantly, because of his dinner guests, he did. He obviously let them influence his decision; he yielded to their pressure. A third example is Peter. Paul (Galatians 2:14) had to rebuke Peter "before them all" for his hypocrisy. While in Antioch, Peter would treat the Gentiles properly until certain Jews came from Jerusalem. When these Jews were around, he would not have anything to do with the Gentiles. Peer pressure obviously caused this attitude toward the Gentiles.

Are we strong enough to resist the influence of our peers when their influence will cause us to do wrong? Those around us must not be allowed to be a negative influence on us. Peer pressure will cause many to be lost. I Corinthians 16:13 says, "Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong." (NASB).

-Mike Johnson

[Editor’s Note: Thanks to Mike for the article! Mike can be reached at: Mike Johnson, 2137 Penhall Drive NE, Huntsville, AL 35811, mkacjohn@aol.com]

Email the Editor at markjward@yahoo.com