Peer pressure
Peer pressure, we all deal with some kind of peer pressure. It doesn’t matter how old you are – 14, 30, 55 or 72. We all deal with a form of it, some on a daily basis.
Our youth today face some very difficult challenges, not unlike the ones we faced when we were their age, but one that is fighting for their lives now – peer pressure.
We used to think peer pressure started in high school. Some of you may have experienced that all too familiar, “come on, just do it with me, go with us. It’s no big deal,” mantra from the people we used to hang around. Some of you may have never experienced that before. It’s a real-life event and one that needs to weighed each time.
Are they asking you to do something you know is wrong?
Will it bring joy to those who love you? or pain?
Will it glorify God?
Younger and younger these days
Peer pressure is starting younger and younger these days. It would seem no one is immune.
Folks, the things that kids are experiencing is starting with kids as young as seven and eight years old. Things we have never dreamed of doing, youth today as young as seven years old are doing it. While there are some very positive things, they are also some very negative things as well.
Middle school is a fright
Middle school is more than just six, seven and eighth graders learning subjects like History, Math, and Science. The things that used to happen at my high school back in the 80’s are now happening in middle school. Things like sex, drugs, and alcohol. Yes, folks, these things are happening among sixth graders. Hard to believe, but it’s true.
Peer pressure – how do our youth in middle schools around town and around this world fight the negative peer pressure?
What can they do?
One way is by making new friends who bring a positive light into their lives. And whose light is it that we should look for from someone positive? Jesus Christ.
Our middle schoolers need to see Jesus in us. They face many pressures today and we need to be a light in a dark place or the negative peer pressure they face every day will steal them away and in some cases, ruin their lives.
Will you be a light in a dark place?
James 4:17 says this, “Anyone then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.”
The verse is pretty straightforward. James isn’t beating around the bush. I guess the question is this – Is there good you should be doing and you aren’t doing it? How can you change that?
Let’s pray
Father, if there’s good we know we should be doing, help us to stand boldly and take action. Help us to be courageous and take steps to prevent peer pressure in our young people. Help us to set good examples of love and kindness to others. In Jesus name, I pray, Amen.
Blessings to you and your family,
Jeanette Duby, The Teaching Lady
#peerpressure #middleschool #drugs #youngpeople
Recent Comments