Cornerstone

Acts 24:24‑27 (27)

Peer pressure is defined by Dictionary.com as social pressure by members of one’s peer group to take a certain action, adopt certain values, or otherwise conform in order to be accepted.  It exists for all ages.  By itself it is neither negative or positive.  In study after study of adolescents, however, peer pressure is connected to at-risk behaviors such as cigarette smoking, truancy, drug use, sexual activity, fighting, shoplifting, and daredevil stunts.  Peer pressure may cause one person to strive to achieve excellence in the work place while it will bring another to embezzle funds from their company or become involved in an illicit affair with a co-worker.  White collar, blue collar, clergy collar, or dirty collar, it makes no difference. People are influenced by others.  We all have choices to make.  Whether you are Pontius Pilate, Felix, or Miss. California Carrie PreJean you will face pressure from friend and foe to make decisions for which you alone will be responsible.  Knowing that we are vulnerable because of the opinions of significant people it underscores the importance of the careful choice of influencers in our lives.  Proverbs 12:26 says that, “A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.”

by Dr. Gayle Woods

II Kings 5:20‑27 (20)

I was an only child so it was always a treat to have visitors.  This evening my cousins came to visit.  What made it even more special was that they brought some toys among which was a new football.  I did not have a football.  I loved the game.  Toys were soon scattered everywhere.  At one point I saw the football roll under my parent’s bed.  A plan was conceived.  When it came time for my cousins to leave they began to gather their toys. Everything was found except the football.  We looked everywhere.  Finally the search was given up.  My parents said that when we found the ball we would put it aside to return the next time we saw them.

For some reason I looked under my parent’s bed after my cousins left and there was the football!  I told my parents what I found and to my chagrin they put it away so that it would not be lost again.  I didn’t even get to play with the football!  A terrible choice made by a little boy.

A deceptive spirit is always disappointing to those who have placed trust in you.  A deceptive spirit is usually damaging to the potential of a relationship. Although we may fool our friends at times God is never fooled and judgment for sin is certain.

by Dr. Gayle Woods