Text- Daniel 1:8 “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.”
Historically, pressure has been one of the tools used by the devil to intimidate believers, thus ‘forcing’ them to compromise their godly standards and conform to the demands and standards of the world, rather than take right and timely actions.
In this generation, this tactic has been further refined and more sophisticated. Two major types of pressure used these days to sway believers off the right path are:
1. Peer Pressure
Peer pressure thrives on the fear of rejection by one's peers. Truly, nobody loves being rejected, but when you are faced with peer pressure, don’t give in by doing things outside your moral boundaries. Bible says, “My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path” (Proverbs 1:10,15)
2. Social Pressure
Sometimes, the society creates intimidating guidelines for clothing, manners, speech, conduct, and even spiritual activities, making many believers to adopt worldly systems so as to ‘fit in’. Mass-media (Radio, TV, other audio and video media, cheap paperbacks, computers, and the Internet) plays a major role in exerting social pressure.
Again, it is true that nobody wants to be misfit, but we must understand that the voice of God’s word must take priority over the voice of the masses. Bible tells us in Exodus 23:2 that we must not follow the multitude to do evil.
You see, those who have been bold enough to stand on unpopular beliefs, and against popular opinion have been major world-changers. Will you be a world changer, or you’ll compromise and flow with the tide?
There is so much in this world that we need to change, and so many people who need to be told about Christ. Letting other people decide what we do and how we behave is exactly what Satan hopes we will do. Beloved, do not give in to pressure, no matter what. Stand up for what you believe and what the Bible teaches. Leave your life please God and to gain his acceptance.
Paul said in Galatians 1:10, “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Think on this.
PRAYERS
1. Lord, I make a commitment today, never to them to compromise godly standards in order to conform to the demands and standards of the world. I will remain steadfast in you
2. Lord, I will prioritize the voice of your word above the voice of the people. I will not follow the multitude to do evil.
3. Lord, grant me the grace and boldness to be a world-changer; to influence the world around me for you.