“Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits. Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.” (1 Co 15:33–34). It only takes one bad choice to wreck a life and bring disaster on countless others. Peer pressure is not just a difficulty that haunts the young. Every generation under the sun suffers from the mounting weight laid upon them by our media driven culture. The events over the last year have proven this point over and over again. Pressured to buy this, do this thing, have that, vote this way or that, be angry at this or that, all the while still call us to lease the newest car, purchase the roomiest house, mow the greenest yard, and all at 0% APR for the first 24 months. We all must be wary of the deceptions that are out there in the world and the mob mentality that is become more of the norm. We also need to be acutely aware of those around us who would lead us down a path to destruction in the name of power, pleasure or money. “My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. If they say, “Come with us, Let us lie in wait to shed blood; Let us lurk secretly for the innocent without cause; Let us swallow them alive like Sheol, and whole, like those who go down to the Pit; we shall find all kinds of precious possessions, we shall fill our houses with spoil; cast in your lot among us, Let us all have one purse”— my son, do not walk in the way with them, keep your foot from their path; for their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed blood.” (Proverbs 1:10–17) Many would have us cut corners, lie, cheat, steal, or act out violently to help them get a leg up in this life, but we are called to be pure, holy, diligent and faithful to our God, families and work. We should trust our great God who will provide all of our needs. Do be careful to not get swept away with the crowd. Stand firm with Jesus in the storm and hold on to Him for He is holding you.
Beware of the Mob
