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Christianity was supposed to be about becoming like Jesus. | |
We went in the wrong direction. |
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Christian Pioneer - eBook for Cell Phone The Traditional Christian's Guide to the Family in Modern Times |
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| Peer Pressure Often only considered a problem for teenagers in high school, the influence of social pressure can affect any age. Often exercised through disparaging comments, social pressure is mostly applied to people to condemn their differences. The Dolly Parton song “Coat of Many Colors” captures a little of the pressure people can apply to what is different. Many people do not appreciate the similarity between the use of physical force and social force. Some times a bully can be deterred by responding with equal force such that one is no longer seen as an “easy target”. With social pressure, one might respond with a demand to give an account. Most bullies do not like having the tables turned. Social pressure is often wielded in a public area that militarily could be considered a force multiplier. However, holding one to account publicly can also make use of the same force multiplier. For example, in responding to a comment that one’s clothes look stupid, one might respond, “Thank you for your unsolicited fashion advice. However, if my wardrobe choices have resulted in you wanting to avoid me, then I think I am the one that comes out ahead.” Not everyone is skilled in verbal combat in a social arena For those less skilled, simply saying “thank you”, looking hurt, and leaving may be sufficient. Many people want to control, direct, and manipulate others. Learning how to navigate past those who would apply pressure is a useful life skill. While there might be an occasional bully that could be engaged to some profitable end, most are best identified and avoided. Here the use of the Proverbs adage about fools is useful. One is told to both answer a fool and dont’t answer a fool according to his folly. These two apparently contradictory verses (Prov 26:4-5) simply say that if you are going to get sucked into folly, don’t answer. However, if you can be helpful, then engage him. College is a place where social manipulation is brought to a fine art. In addition to force of personality, one often finds those who claim superior intellect as the basis for ridiculing others. Many have had their faith shaken with the brutal assault of those self-appointed purveyors of secularism (the worship of man in general and self in particular). No matter how boldly, authoritatively, or forcefully an assertion is made, it is only as good as the truth behind it. |
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