PEER PRESSURE VS. PEER INFLUENCE

Thought Adjuster: “There is ‘peer pressure’ and ‘peer influence’ – two very different spiritual concepts. As a rule of thumb, whenever any type of pressure is involved, it has nothing to do with God’s way, as the Father acts out of Love and Love does not exert any pressure but respects the free will of Its recipient. It merely makes suggestions.

“They made me do this…” is a cop-out frequently heard in your world. Indeed, if one is not sufficiently self-confident, such an individual can easily be swayed by the opinions of others—frequently in the wrong direction and against his or her better judgment. This demonstrates to you the power of group consciousness. Indeed, the power of a group becomes exponentially multiplied: Two coming together have the power of four; three coming together have the power of nine, etc. Become aware that the tables can be turned by putting this mathematical formula to the advantage of humanity.

“For wheretwoor threegatherin my name, there am I with them.” How much positive transformative power can such an association of souls exude? Rather than joining a group based on the weakness of your character, why not join a loving and supportive association of kindred souls—of souls desiring to follow Christ’s leadings? Christ will never ‘make you’ do anything. Rather, He will ‘inspire you’ to take positive actions. Following His way does not lead to a dead end. This is the radical difference between subjecting yourself to themisguided and immature peer pressure ofa predatory gang mentality or ‘freely’ surrendering your whole being to the doing of God’s Will. Only one of these scenarios holds the promise of a bright future.”