PEER PRESSURE

March 22

Bible Reading: John 12:37-50

John 12:42-43, “Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.”

Peer pressure is the process whereby members of a peer group exert influence over other members to conform them to certain beliefs and behaviors.  Peer pressure is nothing new, though technology has worked to provide new avenues for applying such pressure.  A steady stream of goofy and even dangerous ideas and challenges sweep across social media and through so-called “influencers.”  Peer pressure demands conformity to such things, but conformity to the world’s way of thinking and living is not a virtuous objective (Romans 12:1-2).

Though Jesus had done so many signs before them, the people, generally speaking, still did not believe in Him (John 12:37).  And though there were some, even from the authorities who believed, they were afraid to speak the truth lest they be put out of the synagogue.  They were more concerned with pleasing men, than with pleasing God.

“And this is a common disease to this day. There are many who know the truth, who, nevertheless, keep very quiet about it. They do not like to be despised; they cannot endure to seem to be separate from their fellowmen; it is not respectable to be decided for Christ, and to come out from among them, so they love the praise of men more than the praise of God.”

Charles Spurgeon

It should be noted, however, that there are always those more courageous examples who seek God’s approval vs. man’s applause.  Nicodemus was one such man.  He had previously come to Jesus by night, wondering about Jesus’ miracles (John 3:1-2).  On a subsequent occasion, he spoke up for Jesus before his peers (John 7:50-51).  Then, after Jesus died, Nicodemus risked it all when he worked to prepare Jesus’ body for burial, at costly expense to himself (John 19:39-40). 

While sources outside of the Bible can be unreliable, church tradition claims that Nicodemus lost his position as a Pharisee and the authorities later banished him from Jerusalem.  But in standing on the side of truth, resisting peer pressure, he chose the better path and gained a noble legacy.

Living for God’s approval is better than living for man’s applause.

NEVER BE AFRAID
Never be afraid to speak for Jesus,
Think how much a word can do;
Never be afraid to own your Saviour,
He who loves and cares for you.

Chorus:
Never be afraid, never be afraid,
Never, never, never,
Jesus is your loving Saviour,
Therefore never be afraid.

Never be afraid to work for Jesus,
In his vineyard day by day;
Labor with a kind and willing spirit,
He will all your toil repay. [Chorus]

Never be afraid to bear for Jesus,
Keen reproaches when they fall.
Patiently endure your every trial,
Jesus meekly bore them all. [Chorus]

Never be afraid to live for Jesus;
If you on his care depend,
Safely shall you pass through every trial,
He will bring you to the end. [Chorus]

Never be afraid to die for Jesus;
He the life, the truth, the way,
Gently in his arms of love will bear,
To the realms of endless day. [Chorus]

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Author: looking2jesus13

Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces. Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon. Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries. After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year. Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley. International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith. Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully. Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.

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