If you are a Christian, you know how difficult it can be to choose “the cross” (what God wants you to do) over “the crowd” (what everyone else is doing). Even Peter, one of Christ’s most devoted disciples, denied that he knew Jesus. Jesus had been arrested and was facing crucifixion and Peter denied that he knew Jesus not just once, but three times, and get this . . . to a mere servant girl! Keep in mind, he had witnessed Jesus perform miracle after miracle and traveled everywhere with him as he preached to the crowds, and yet, he had a moment where he chose the crowd over the cross.
Meanwhile, Peter was below in the courtyard. One of the servant girls who worked for the high priest noticed Peter warming himself at the fire. She looked at him closely and then said, “You were one of those with Jesus, the Nazarene.” Peter denied it. “I don't know what you’re talking about,” he said, and he went out in the entryway. Just then, a rooster crowed. The servant girl saw him standing there and began telling the others, “That man is definitely one of them!” Peter denied it again.
A little later some other bystanders began saying to Peter, “You must be one of them because you are from Galilee.” Peter said, “I swear by God, I don’t know this man you’re talking about.” And immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Suddenly, Jesus’ words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” And he broke down and cried. (Mark 14:66–72 NLT)
But the story has a happy ending. After Jesus was crucified and arose from the dead, he returned and spoke to the disciples before ascending to heaven. He not only forgave Peter for the denial but gave him the assignment to “feed my sheep.” Jesus knew that Peter was truly sorry for the denial. Peter’s tears were evidence of his godly sorrow. Because of this, Jesus knew he could trust Peter with a job as important as feeding (taking care of) his sheep (followers). It will be impossible to change our actions unless we have a “godly sorrow” for them. To have godly sorrow is to feel sadness over the impact our actions had on God (caused Christ to have to die for our sins). It is not the type of sorrow that comes from being caught. Only godly sorrow will produce true change (repentance) and the ability to choose the cross in the future.
Second Corinthians 7:10 (NLT) says, “For God can use sorrow in our lives to help us turn away from sin and seek salvation. We will never regret that kind of sorrow. But sorrow without repentance is the kind that results in death.”
The truth is, we will all have moments where we choose the crowd over the cross, and like Peter, will deny our Savior. Just as Jesus forgave and restored Peter, he desires to do the same thing for us. Next time you have a choice to follow the crowd or the cross, remember the sorrow of Peter and more importantly, the love of Christ. Someone who loves us that much is worthy of our allegiance.
When we surveyed girls your age, we asked them to share a time where they chose the crowd over the cross and felt great sorrow. Below is a sampling of their responses. Pay careful attention to why many of them felt sorrow. Some mention feeling sorrow because they did something that their parents would be upset about or because it made them “feel bad.” While it is a good first step to admit the times where we have chosen the crowd over the cross, remember, a godly sorrow begins with a sorrow to God and a desire to follow him.
DO YOU HAVE ONE TO ADD?
At my school if you want to be popular, you have to pretty much be mean and hurt other people’s feelings. Well, I gave in and felt really, really bad for hurting a lot of the girls’ feelings, so I apologized.
— Emma, age 12
I had gone to my friend’s house but I didn’t know there would be drinking there. Everyone was drinking and my friends convinced me to drink. I was only thirteen at the time. The cops ended up showing up and I got a ticket for minor in consumption. I felt so bad about it.
— Suzi, age 14
I went to go see a movie that my parents didn’t approve of and that I know God wouldn’t approve of. I regret it because I look back on it and think about how I hurt my parents and God.
— Heaven, age 16
My friends told me to wear a shirt that was very revealing and I wore it. I knew I shouldn’t and plus I didn’t feel comfortable wearing it.
— Trudi, age 13
My friends and I all went to a party. At first we were doing all the things you do at parties like dance, talk, and hang out. And then things started to heat up! All my friends were making out with boys and I ended up doing it too just for my friends and popularity. Now, I’m sorry I did it!
— Sara, age 13
I fell under the “power” of peer pressure and I stole something from PetCo. But, I felt so bad that the next day I went back and spent all of my money to make up for it. (Editor’s Note: I know this is radical, but true repentance means taking the item back and talking to a Manager. Offer to pay for the item. Depending on the value of the item, most managers won’t press
charges, but it’s the right thing to do.)
— Grace, age 12
B&H Publishing Group grants permission to use this excerpt as originally printed in the book Teen Virtue Confidential c. 2007.
To purchase TeenVirtue Confidential, visit http://www.lifewaystores.com/lwstore/product.asp?isbn=0805441921
Comments (8)
OMG! This was so helpful along with the opposite article from this. I have one or more that I could add to both. I think that every article/story is helpful throughout all of Teen Virtue, Teen Virtue 2, and Teen Virtue Confidential. I hope that another one comes out!
Posted by Catherine | June 1, 2007 8:08 PM
Wow, This is so good! This what every girl should read!!!! I want to tell every one!
Posted by Shanice | February 18, 2008 6:29 PM
It's hard not to sin, when we have peer pressure, or just being in the prescence of someone who sins a whole lot. It makes it hard on everyone around that person. Even the "popular" kids are insecure, and that's why they do the things that they regret later on! ~Laura~
Posted by Laura | June 28, 2008 12:40 PM
I've learned that the friends that you make by giving into peer pressure arent worth all the trouble. A few weeks later they just start hanging out w/ whoever is the cool one then. Its better to make friends who like you for your personality. Those are the friends that last.
Posted by Aly | October 16, 2008 9:53 PM
man... i did a lot of bad things... i got into trouble at school... a lot... i tried smoking - twice ):, i cheated at a few tests, i went to see a film and lied to my parents that i was jus going to town... i cursed a lot, basically i wasn't much of an example to my non christian friends... and i still feel sooo bad :(
Posted by Leah | November 6, 2008 1:41 PM
i think that one thing i've had issues with is if you go shopping with your friends and they tell you that something is "cute" or however else and so you buy it and wear it the next day to school because you want to get more opinions on it... then you find out that the guy behind you in algebra is able to see your midriff because it's too short in the back, and then the guy beside you in science is staring down your shirt...when i got home i said "you aren't the same shirt i thought you were, i feel your pain" and kissed the shirt fairwell... what a waste of money. be careful. one thing we tend to forget to check when we try clothes on is length and neckline when your doing things like bending over. try bending over and raising your hands when your trying clothes on. it may sound stupid, but it really helps with modesty issues.
Posted by no name...please... | December 29, 2008 9:23 AM
This a long sad story so please read. It all started when I was getting off the bus with my best friend. The next thing you know this boy(in my class my bff's neighbor) and his mom came out of the car. She excused me of egging there house and throwing broken glass on the door steps. I was so mad there was atleast four kids walking around that could of been blamed. There was a huge eight grader with a beard, and a kid that rights graffiti, on the streets at night and my bff. Out of all those people she chose me to blame. She told me she would call the police next time she saw my face on their property. I was mortified and angry I remembered going home with hot tears. so I decided I would make his life horrible. I did and made everyone else to. It has been a month since teasing him and I feel bad. Though I have this deep hatred in my gut for him still. It just so unfair it got to the point that everyone in the school doesn't like him. And the more he tries to be cool he just keeps getting teased it is sad.-12
Posted by Kaya | March 3, 2009 8:25 PM
Funny how there are more posts for the other 1 than 4 this 1. just throwing that out there. okay mine is that i cussed twice because i thought it was the "cool" or "normal" thing 2 do. I wanted 2 get rid of my rep of being "innocent" so i did it. Everyone was amazed that this came from the mouth of the "good girl" and most weren't impressed bcuz it was only the other word 4 dang...but still thats bad 4 me. I still regret it 2 this day. I feel like i really failed that day because i let down my guard and might have warped someones view of christians up until then i had been pretty happy w/ how i had maintained my representation of my faith. Sometimes i hate being the "innocent one" though. i mean its good sometimes cuz when some1 starts a perverted joke they'll notice im there and they'll stop. but other times its bad cuz i dont even know what the joke will b about if they choose 2 tell it and every1 will b laughing and ill b in the dark. i mean i dont want 2 know what it means but it feels like im missing sumthing
Posted by Grace | September 25, 2009 7:02 PM