Wow! What a great Sunday at Club 56. Too bad that the projector decided to take a vacation until the very end of the hour. But we were not hindered! We still came, we read, we discussed. I have really enjoyed preparing and teaching this unit on peer pressure. If we are truly striving to live a life ALIVE in Christ then it is important that we equip ourselves to take a stand for Him and the life He has called us to, even when it isn't a popular thing to do - even when doing so may lead others to tease, ridicule, or even hurt us. An eternity with God is a much bigger prize than the acceptance of another person; Plus, as we discussed this week, Jesus chose to suffer pain, humiliation, death on a cross for us. We are called to be prepared to do the same for Him. What a rich lesson that we can (and will) learn over and over again as we work our way through this life. Here is how the discussion went.
First, we read Proverbs 29.25.
We read that fear sets a trap for people. Sometimes, when we are afraid, we make bad choices. With Peer Pressure, fear of being laughed at or made fun of may lead us to make a choice that doesn't match up with what we know is right. We do lots of crazy things in order to be liked by others. Trusting God and knowing that fear is not from God, can help us to stand strong for our beliefs.
Next we read Matthew 10.32-33
This one is a challenging one, until we read the whole passage. It talks about how hard life will be for those who follow God. They will be hated, they will be run out of town, they will be arrested, whipped and brought before the authorities. Doesn't sound like a fun, easy time. But laced throughout the entire passage are promises that God is with you and will help you. So when it gets to verse 32-33, the choice that we should make is obvious. It says in these verses that if we deny Christ here on earth (reject Him as our Lord) then he will deny us (reject us ) before God. If we don't say we know Him here, He will say He doesn't know us. I don't want to be in that place! How horrible! May we all strive to live a life so God will acknowledge us as His own.
Then, we read Hebrews 12.14-15
This is another great chapter to read in it 's entirety. The challenge to run the race that is ahead of us and to run it well. This passage tells us to live at peace with others. Does that mean that we should go with the flow and not take a stand to keep the peace? NO WAY. One of our questions was "should Christians make others uncomfortable?" The answer is - maybe. When we live life the way the Bible tells us to, and we stand strong in those beliefs, then others around us may be uncomfortable because of that. But that may be God working on them, helping them realize the change they need to make in their life. If we keep the peace by compromising on our beliefs, they may never get that chance. It could be a life and death choice that we are making for someone else.
Finally, we read 1 Peter 4.12-13
These verses tell us that we should expect that our Christian life will bring hard times. We think sometimes that being a Christian will give us rosy paths and comfy shoes to waltz through life. It is quite the opposite - and the Bible doesn't try to hide this fact. It is right here in these verses. We are not alone in our suffering, and we can delight in it, knowing that standing strong in these hard times will bring a reward that is more than worth the suffering.
Keep reading these verses and let them challenge you to stand strong in following Jesus. Ask for His help to make the right choice and be BOLD!! Live a life ALIVE!!
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