Marc Estes

Several years ago, Dr. Ruth Berenda and a group of fellow psychologists rediscovered the dramatic power of societal pressure. In an experiment they invited ten teenagers into a room where three charts were displayed. Each chart had three lines of different lengths. The group members were asked to raise their hands when the teacher pointed to the longest line on each chart. One teen in each group did not know that the other nine teens had been instructed to raise their hands when the teacher pointed to the second longest line. The lone teen frequently looked somewhat confused but cast a wrong vote with the other nine students. Dr. Berenda’s data revealed that 75 percent of the teens allowed peer pressure to override their own better judgment.

We all need the affirmation to choose what is right rather than what is popular, which is much easier said than done. I am firmly convinced that the reason so many are persuaded by their surroundings, is their lack of identity in who Christ intended them to be. Many today allow the voice of society to define their value and worth, which always ends in disappointment. It is amazing to see what people are willing to risk losing for the sake of gaining the ‘approval’ of others.

Yet God’s view of you will allow you to be a persuader, not persuaded. We are first and foremost to be God pleaser, not a man pleaser (Eph. 6:6).  If we focus on what pleases God and how He values us, we have a great chance of not being persuaded and manipulated by the world and it’s opinion of us. Here are my top ten faith-builders which describes what God says about me!

1. I am God’s child.
2. I am God’s friend.
3. I am adopted into His family.
4. I am complete in Christ.
5. I have a future and hope.
6. I am part owner of God’s Kingdom.
7. I am a citizen of heaven.
8. I am significant.
9. I am special.
10. I have a purpose.

The next time that you are tempted to do something to impress someone else, ask yourself the question, “Am I being persuaded or am I persuading.” You might even print out this little list and  put it in your wallet or purse. It just might save your bacon one of these days!