Every time I read about the crucifixion and surrounding events, I'm perplexed and frustrated by Pilate's behavior. As silly as this may sound, even though I know how the story ends, I find myself thinking Don't do it Pilate. Don't do it. Just do the right thing! (I told you it was silly.) Well, of course, he doesn't. Pilate comes to the right conclusion--that Jesus is innocent--yet he chooses to make the wrong decision--to let Jesus be crucified. His behavior really highlights just how much influence others can have over us if we're not careful.
Peer pressure is tough. So how can we guard against not allowing people and/or things to negatively influence our decisions? I'd love to hear your thoughts (or even some examples) on doing the right thing regardless of our circumstances. Tami W.
I find as a mother of a 12 yr old girl that there is pressure even from her friends and parents to raise her in a worldly way, rather than protecting her purity and her mind. It is hard to be vigilent and stand on our beliefs for what is right for her. But I know that is so minimal compared to what Jesus endured. And that seeking Him and seeking the actions that will glorify Him is ultimately what makes us at peace.
Sometimes we live to please our friends and families more than we live to please God well at least that is where I live ..But God tell us not to worry about what we should eat nor drink..and to live by the spirit and we will not gratify the lust of the flesh..and we can do all things through him who gives us strength so pleasing them should not be hard or should it....
My boyfriend and I are planning to get married and the problem is my family is so big that I can't afford to invite everyone to the wedding and I know that they will be angry and even stop speaking to me but how am I to let the worry me and make me spend more money than I have or do what I can afford and take the ridiculous or spend the money and put myself and my future husband in debt to please my family?...
We have to be bold enough to stand up for the things that we want and not wash our hands like Pilate...Because he had the authority to say I will do what i will with this man no matter what you all say but he didn't want the people to think of him as a believer or Christ...and don't for get the plans that God has are well planed and he was just a pawn and he did what he was to do ....
I believe our infinitely creative God helps us where we are. I couldn't help but think of Shanna's situation. Sometimes the solution is not the obvious choice. Maybe it could be bringing the family together and explaining the financial hardship and seeing if they could contribute to the reception as a gift? I find that a lot of my pressure felt is self-imposed. Taking the time to find His perspective changes things. Not worrying is a good start. Trusting Him goes with that.
I have fallen in this situation before and i just thank GOD for HIS grace and compassion on me.I had a child before my marriage due to,i want to have boyfriend,though not yet born again but from a christian home.I had the opportunity to know christ after my university through a friend and my aunt.I've follow them to camps at different occassions. I later believe that the HOLY SPIRIT talked to me through my aunt that i can still have a single man as husband,but i cannot wait for GOD to perfect things for me,i went into polygamus marriage which nearly cost me my life. You see what wrong decision can cause,though my hubby was a wonderful man,also late now.I thought i was getting old. All thanks to GOD i am born again and have a great relationship with GOD now.Now no compromise,no one can change my stand with GOD concerning any situation.I pray for more of HIS GRACE AND I KNOW HE WILL ALWAYS BE THERE FOR ME.
Great comments everyone. Interestingly enough I had an occasion today to stand up for my beliefs about sex outside of marriage. The gal was truly interested and concerned as well. I think she will really think about everything we said. I pray God will use that conversation for His Glory. And to think I was recently whinning because I spend so much time with non-christians. Hummm....
Instead of peer pressure, I'd like to focus on God's mercy in this passage. I think that sometimes organized religion makes salvation so complicated. That's what came to mind when I read, Jesus reaction to the repentant thief on the cross beside his. There was no baptism, no confirmation, no membership classes, no sinners prayer, only Jesus comforting words in Luke 23:43.
While I'm at it, I wondered about those who crucified Him. Jesus asked His Father that they be forgiven (Luke 23:34). Why did He ask that they be forgiven? Because they didn't know what they were doing. When all is said and done, isn't ALL sin like that?
Do you think His Father answered His prayer.
JR