Days of thy Youth

 

Peer Pressure

By Mark J. Ward


 When young Christians are involved in such activities as school, jobs, recreation, and the like, much pressure is exerted on the by their peers. Quite often "peer pressure" becomes the downfall of young Christians. I Corinthians 15:33 says, "Be not deceived: evil communication corrupt good manners." There is much truth in such a brief statement! When someone is in a crowd of God-fearing Christians, it becomes much easier to do the right thing. On the other hand, when a young Christian is surrounded by worldly-minded "peers" (having desires to fulfill the lust of the flesh), pressure can be placed on the child of God to join in the evil. No doubt about it, going along with the crowd is very easy to do. It is often hard to be "different"; to oppose the "majority". Christians should realize that we are a "chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people" (I Peter 2:9).

When "peers" begin to apply pressure to follow them in doing evil, there are several points young Christians must remember.

FLEE YOUTHFUL LUSTS

In 2 Timothy 2:22 Paul told Timothy, by inspiration, "Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart." A valuable lesson can be attained from this passage. Whenever a situation arises that might put us in a position to do that which is wrong…flee from it!!! Leave it alone. The old expression, "If you play with fire, you will be burned" can be similarly applied to sin. If we allow ourselves to be around sin and we choose to stay nearby, we are bound to be weakened by the evil influence. Christians have much work to do in trying to live according to God’s plan and there can be no reasonable explanation for inviting sin to come in by "toying with it".

WATCH AND PRAY

In the Bible the word "watch" is sometimes suggestive of "being on guard" as a watchman. If Christians are always on guard against evil, sin can be identified and opposed before it gets an advantage. All too often, sin creeps up on the un-watchful Christian and catches him unaware. The world in which we live is full of sin. Unless we watch for our souls and take the proper precaution to avoid sin, we will be overtaken by the power of evil. An ever-watchful Christian is one who cares about the condition of his soul.

Prayer is an avenue that some Christians often neglect. Failing to properly use this great privilege, some young Christians show they do not think prayer is very helpful. Mark 13:33 says, "Take ye heed, watch and pray." A study of the entire Bible will reveal that God-fearing people of all dispensations prayed to God without ceasing. In this worldly age in which we live, there should be a continual recognition to our Father in heaven of our weaknesses and dependence upon Him. Christians who have learned to watch and pray will not be easily moved from a stand for the truth.

WEARING SPIRITUAL ARMOR

In Ephesians 6, we learn that a Christian can have protection from the devil by the wearing of the spiritual armor. As a soldier of a carnal war needs bodily protection, even so Christians need to protect themselves spiritually. Armor is defensive protection. Satan, our adversary, goes about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour (I Peter 5:8). No matter what Satan may cast at Christians in the way of temptations, if the spiritual armor is worn, protection is granted. Young Christians need this spiritual armor when peers begin applying undue pressure on them to participate in sinful acts.

Having truth and righteousness, Christians can stand against the powers of the devil (Eph. 6:14ff). With the shield of faith, we are told we can quench the fiery darts thrown by Satan (vs. 16). While considering this analogy, let us not forget the one offensive weapon. God has given the Christian a sword (the Word of God) to be used in our spiritual struggles with the devil. When young Christians are attacked by peers to do evil, God’s Word can be used to counterattack the evil suggestions. Jesus answered Satan with Scripture (Matthew 4) and so should we! We must use everything God has provided to defend ourselves and at the same time promote the cause of Christ and His kingdom by proper use of this Spiritual Sword!

Young Christians! Have the wisdom and the strength to choose companions who will not put the pressure on you to compromise your convictions. No matter what others might do or say to you, remember - flee youthful lusts; watch and pray; put on the spiritual armor of God! --mjw


Email the Editor at markjward@yahoo.com


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