PEER PRESSURE

Psalms 1:1-2
Blessed the man who follows not the counsel of the wicked… But delights in the law of the LORD and meditates on His law day and night.
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Drunkenness, smoking, watching pornography, committing adultery, having relationship with a woman other than your wife. Sometimes, it would really be our own decision why we did it. BUT, most of the time, we committed these grave sins because of peer pressure. And the truth is, you can't escape it – it is everywhere! Whether it is pressure to conform to a group norm or pressure to act a certain way peer pressure is something everybody has to deal with at some time in their life. How successfully you handle peer pressure depends a great deal on how you feel about yourself and your place in the world.

The Bible have repeatedly talked about the wicked ways the men would rather choose than following the will of God through His words and teachings. And most of the time, we did it because we were following the ways of another wicked man. And as we do it repeatedly, it then becomes the norm – it becomes the standard way of living - which is really very unfortunate. God can deliver us from temptation and negative peer pressure if we pray for it. And if temptation does present itself to you, say “no” quickly and get away from the difficulty.

When peer pressure rears its ugly head, try to focus on how you feel about what is happening rather than going with crowd. Always stand up for what you think is right. And the Bible is clear on what is right – “delight in the law of the LORD and meditate on His law day and night”. And then exert your own pressure to them. Show them the way to right, Godly living. Stand your ground and show them that going with the Lord is the right way. In fact, IT IS THE ONLY WAY!

Let us pray +

Almighty Father, I constantly face peer pressure – in my work, at home and at play. Please guard my heart and my life and let my life be examples to other – to resist violence, cigarettes, drugs, scandals and alcohol – so I may become the person You want me to be. This I pray through the name of Jesus. Amen +

Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.