Genesis 37: 12 -36

Peer pressure is real. Being autistic I did not know this. I grew up almost totally immune to peer pressure. I first recognized it when I saw it at work in the lives of my young daughters. I would ask them, “Why do you care what other people think?” They could not always answer that question. However it was very clear that they did care.

Peer pressure is something that I’ve thought about and studied. I’m not an expert, but I have reached some conclusions. I believe it is peer pressure Paul is referring to in Romans 12:2 when he writes “Do not conform to the pattern of this world…” Peer pressure seeks to shape us to fit the pattern of others.

Joseph’s brothers plotted to kill him. They were in it together. I doubt that any single one of them would have plotted to kill him alone. Peer pressure stirred the emotions to a killing level. Their anger and hatred fed off each other’s emotions. What they were planning was a horrible thing. It was only made possible because they were in it together. They were shaping each other into killers. Reuben and Judah were the only two with enough individual character to partially shape the narrative. Reuben was the oldest and Judah the fourth oldest son. Even with their age advantage they could not overcome being pressured by their brothers.

Peer pressure does not have to be a bad thing. It all depends on who your peers are. It is vital that young people pick their friends carefully. Parents you have to have a role in this. Churches need teen groups that are large enough to create positive peer pressure. Sometimes this means several churches working together.

Children can be taught about peer pressure. They can be taught to recognize it. They can be taught to think independently for themselves. Children must be taught right from wrong. Parents must pray. Parents must teach their children to pray. The greatest weapon against inappropriate peer pressure is prayer. Prayer pressure can overcome peer pressure.