Expect It!

Peer pressure is not always easy to resist. There is the desire to belong and to be accepted by our peers and regardless of how young or old we might be, that pressure can be strong. However, I think the pull may be stronger among youth because personal identity is still in the process of being established. As one grows older and more convicted of certain things, the less concern there might be as to what others think. Still, young or old, we must remain on guard.

Peter exhorted. . .
"(3) For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. (4) With respect to this THEY ARE SURPRISED WHEN YOU DO NOT JOIN THEM in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; (5) but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead." ( 1 Peter 4:3-5 ESV)

"Debauchery" is simply immoral behavior or unrestrained self-indulgence in such behavior. This refers back to the list Peter began with in verse three. Have you been invited to join in any activities that might be associated with anything on that list? Have any such things been a part of your past? If so, it may take some of your former friends some time to realize the changes in your life are genuine; that you are very serious about them.

The New Living Translation reads: "... your former friends are very surprised when you no longer join them in the wicked things they do, and they say evil things about you." [NLT, © 1997, Tyndale House, Wheaton, Ill.]

And "The Message" translation reads: "...Of course, your old friends don't understand why you don't join in with the old gang anymore." [E.H. Peterson, © 2002, NavPress, Colorado Springs, Colorado]

Don't be SURPRISED by the SURPRISE of your peers when you don't join in with them. Let them be SURPRISED! They don't understand your mindset or the values you hold. However, not giving into their pressure will make the difference clear.
We know the One to Whom we will give an account and hopefully in time can help others recognize that as well. Living with that in mind, may we pray that the wisdom of our choices and the lack of regret with which we are blessed to live will eventually be acknowledged by those around us!

Have a great day ANTICIPATING SUCH SURPRISE!
Carl

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