DEAR REV. GRAHAM: Why do I have such a hard time saying "no" to people who talk me into doing things I know are wrong -- and yet I still do them? Why do I give in so easily?
-- M.H.
DEAR M.H.: I'm thankful you realize you have this problem, and you want to do something about it. Tragically, some people go through life without ever realizing others are leading them down the wrong road. The Bible warns, "Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong. ... Do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd" (Exodus 23:2).
Why do you give in so easily -- even when you know something is wrong? Frankly, one reason may be because you are afraid people will dislike you if you refuse to go along with them. Yes, we all like to be liked -- but this can be dangerous, especially if others are leading us astray. Remember: if someone pressures you into doing wrong, they aren't really your friend. The Bible warns us not to be swayed by those "whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron" (1 Timothy 4:2).
What should you do? The most important step you can take is to discover the greatest friend you'll ever have: Jesus Christ. God loves you in spite of your weaknesses, and Jesus Christ came into the world to forgive you and change you. By a simple prayer of faith, tell Him that you know you need Him, and ask Him to come into your life today.
Then ask God to help you say "no" when someone tempts you to do wrong. A friend once told me, "When temptation knocks, I just send Jesus to the door!" In addition, ask God to lead you to a church where you will grow stronger spiritually and will find new friends to help you.
Write to Billy Graham in care of Billy Graham Evangenlistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201 or visit the website at
billygraham.org
Style on 12/12/2017