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 powerful tool of Satan.
Solomon Asch, a renowned psychologist, and his associates conducted a study in the 1950s on the influence of groups on their members. In this study, they asked subjects to compare and match the lengths of various lines. Asch arranged for all but one with each test to deliberately give incorrect answers. The study examined how the incorrect responses of the majority influenced the one person (the naive individual). The study included 59 naive subjects. One-fourth reported the actual lengths of the lines, though this meant contradicting the answers of the rest of the group. The study said 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 become 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 but, due to a lack of confidence in their perceptions, came to believe that they 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.
The above study illustrates the powerful impact of peer pressure. Some people will stand up for what is correct regardless. However, many, for one reason or another, will be negatively impacted by peer pressure. Some say, “Since others are going in a particular direction, it must be fine. Others say, “The majority might be wrong, but I will go along with them.” Still others know the group is wrong, but they are not strong enough to stand by themselves. We must not allow the influence of our peers to cause us to sin. A young person’s morals can be especially affected by those with whom they associate. Likewise, older people’s religious beliefs and attitudes toward religion can be influenced by those around them. Exodus 23:2 says, “You shall not follow a crowd to do evil; ….”
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 more substantial 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 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. They influenced 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 some of the Jews came from Jerusalem. When these Jews were around, he would not have anything to do with them. Peer pressure caused this attitude toward the Gentiles.
Next, consider the story of the golden calf found in Exodus 32. When Moses was delayed in returning from the mountain, the people pressured Aaron to make a golden calf as an idol for them to worship. Instead of obeying God, Aaron gave in to their demands.
The majority will often ridicule, intimidate, and laugh at the person with convictions (See 1 Pet. 4:1-6). Also, sin does not seem as wrong when most of one’s peers practice it. People seem to need to be in step with those around them. It takes a great deal of courage to be different and to resist peer pressure.
Are we strong enough to resist the influence of our peers when they are doing wrong? Those around us must not be allowed to be a negative influence. Peer pressure will cause many to be lost. 1 Corinthians 16:13 says, “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong” (NASB).
