subject: Peer Pressure [print this page] From my heart to yours, we have a situation at hand, people. It's getting ugly, but there is hope I have recently come to the conclusion that the enticement of peer pressure has always and will always be exactly what it is pressure from your peers. What has changed, and what is making the most negative impact is, the exposure that many of today's youth have access to. This exposure causes peer pressure and creates conversations like, "Hey, have you seen" or "Hey, have you heard" or "Hey, have you ever" Once these opening lines leave the mouth of a curious peer, watch out! It doesn't matter the age, believe me.
A recent survey commissioned by the Love and Logic Institute found nearly 75 percent of American adults believe today's teenagers face decisions with more dangerous consequences than they did growing up. Yes it is true that today's generation has a high rate of crime, immorality, lustful images, and negative influences thrown before them daily by entertainment, social medias, television, and radio, yet what are we doing to protect them? Who is raising our children? If you have lived through any degree of life, you know that temptation and opportunity can be a spiritual down spiral into sin. Yet, if you remove one from the other, the chances of falling are much less. Peer pressure, on the other hand stands on its own two feet. Often times, opportunity is nearby when peer pressure is felt, but you must learn to escape the pressure that comes from another's sinful desires, just as you would escape from the temptation that comes from your own sinful desires. Remember that God will never give you more than you can handle, especially when it comes to passing the tests of temptation and peer pressure.
Now, here is where we can make a difference as mentors, family members, friends, neighbors, and big brothers and big sisters; completely remove the negative exposure from the eyes and ears of today's youth and be mindful of any adult conversations around them. By doing this, it will reduce the available airwave access they will have, and this is what we want. Will your kids hear and see dirty and enticing things from other kids in their circle? Will your kids learn unacceptable behaviors and conduct from their peers in their schools? Will your kids be negatively influenced by their environment? The answer to all these questions are eventually yes, however don't be guilty for being the one they learn it from. By giving them an upright example of your actions and words, I believe your positive shield and influence will have so much more of a greater impact than the negative fiery darts that get shot their way from others. Influence others for good and not for evil. Receive this as your life's challenge from my heart to yours.
