Mysty PfefferI’ve never been the kind of person who bows to peer pressure. In fact, when the pressure heats up to behave a certain way or do a certain thing, this stubborn introvert digs her heels in deeper to stay right where she is. After all, one good friend is worth more to me than a dozen who roll with the times. I say all of this because of the mounting pressure to conform in today’s culture. Are you feeling it too?
Do you find yourself turning off the news because you hear the same repeated message delivered? Although different phrases and pictures are used the message is the same. I feel like I’m under the voice of a hypnotist sometimes. He’s warning me of the doom and gloom fast approaching and consuming me and the ones I love. His fear tactics are only superseded by his strategy of divisiveness.
Fortunately, followers of Christ can see the driving force behind these fear and divisive-based attacks and hang onto hope! Primarily because this enemy has already been defeated. Since, he knows his time is short, he is in a frenzy to accuse, discourage, and persuade every follower of Christ to doubt who is really in control. The entire situation in our culture today reminds me of the old testament story of the twelve spies.
Feeling the pressure to Conform
For instance, the overwhelming pressure to conform appeals to my emotions. Also, my sense of responsibility, and accountability are piqued. Just as it is for Joshua. The intensity of pressure laid upon he and Caleb was intense. All because they were not afraid to enter Canaan under the direction of the Lord. One leader from each tribe was instructed by Moses to report what the land was like. They were to find out if the land was fertile or unproductive. As well as if the people were few or many, strong or weak. Do they live in fortified cities or encampments? (Numbers 13:18-20).
Although, twelve men were sent to scout out the promised land, only two came back with a hopeful report. Ten of them were fearful because of the very large people they saw. Canaan’s fortified cities, and their ability to devour its inhabitants terrified them (Numbers 13:31-32).
The intensity of this report incited the people to fear. They wanted to stone the two spies who gave a good report. Much like an easily swayed population turns against those who place their trust in God instead of those in power. Money holders’ rule behind the scenes over policies, guidelines, and messages that affect the way people think. I take hope in Joshua’s response to the people.
Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who scouted out the land, tore their clothes and said to the entire Israelite community: “The land we passed through and explored is an extremely good land. If the Lord is pleased with us, He will bring us into this land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and give it to us. (Numbers 14:6-8).
Numbers 14 HCSB – Israel’s Refusal to Enter Canaan – Bible Gateway
Looking beyond the size of the people, Joshua and Caleb looked at the size of their God. They knew deep down the promises of God are real despite the circumstances. Not only was the fear uncalled for, it also showed a lack of trust in God. Moreover, the distrust sparked complete rebellion and disregard of His good-natured promises.
God is Bigger
Friends, He is with us and His promises are true for us too. He implores us to trust Him. Although the giants we face are present and actively changing values of the people around us, we can stand firm. Yes, the reports of death are real. However, the number of people dying today is no different than those who died this time last year. There is just a sensational amount of attention placed on one specific cause over another.
Even though the enemy of disease has a huge presence in our lives, we cannot forget God is bigger. He determined before we were born, when, how, and the day we will die. If it happens to be the current predominant disease, then that is His will. No matter what measures we take to prevent it, we will not escape His predetermined route of our leaving this earth.
However, we can rejoice because our souls are promised to be with Him in glory! He gave his son to die on the cross to save us from our own distrust and rebellion against Him. He urges us to not conform to the pattern of this world.
Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.
(Romans 12:1-2)
I can’t describe the comfort this verse has brought me over the years. As I struggled to figure out who to follow, what to do, and who to believe. One traumatic year can change my self-perception and that is just wrong. I can bow to the pressure or use God-given discernment.
Bold faith says, “I am who God says I am. So, I only bow to Him in decisions that change my genetic code forever.” In doing so, I respect my friends’ decision to do what they feel is right. I also cast aside the crushing weight of this world and embrace a different perspective. I feel the tender presence of Jesus reminding me not to get too comfortable here . Mostly because this world and all its pressure is temporary and will pass away.
Knowing Jesus like you do, are you starting to feel it too?
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