I’ve coaching girls’ tennis at Lakes for the last month or so. One of the benefits I didn’t realize about coaching a sport is that I get to meet a lot of people. Not only the players and their parents, but also the opposing coaches. During the meet, while the players are playing, I have time to chat and get to know other coaches. And I realize that a lot of these coaches belong to private tennis clubs. That got me thinking: Perhaps I should belong to one as well! 
That is how subtly peer pressure works. When I see my peers doing something, I want to do them as well. When I see my peers driving certain cars, I want to drive them, too. 
But we must always remember our Lord first and foremost! Listen to this shocking verse I read this morning in Leviticus (Leviticus!): 
“No person who has been set apart for destruction is to be ransomed; he must be put to death” (Lev. 27:29)
Of course, this verse is talking about a condemned criminal who has done a horrible deed deserving death. But I thought of Jesus Christ. He was set apart for destruction. He was born to die! And no one ransomed His life. He was put to death… 
So, while you and I are busy keeping up with the Joneses, our Lord threw off everything, including His life, for our sake. 
Beware of subtle suggestions from the devil to detract us from Christ. 
PH