Peer pressure is the influence among peers ,it can either be positive influence or negative influence , it has the word “pressure” in it, it’s on us to choose which kind of pressure we want to allow in our lives. Peer pressure is something everyone faces at some point in life ,whether we are young or old. It happens when people around us try to influence the choices we make. As Christians we are called to live in a way that pleases God, this means being careful about the influence others have on us.
Peer pressure affects us differently us to pray for discernment So that we can distinguish the influence that comes our way. Still for us to be able to overcome peer pressure we have to be confident in ourselves to what we want and put right and firm boundaries .These doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t make friends but we should choose our friends wisely and also pray for God’s guidance .
(NIV) Proverbs 3 :5-6 “ Trust in the lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding ;
In all your ways submit to Him ,and He will make your paths straight.”
The Bible teaches us to be careful about the company we keep because the people around us can affect our behaviors. Around ourselves with people who encourage good habits and make wise choices, it becomes easier for us live a life that honors God. however ,when we Are around people who do things that go against what we believe, it can be difficult for us to stay strong in our faith. They might pressure us to lie, gossip, cheat or do other things that we know are wrong .
In terms of our local pressure, having friends that impact negative pressure in our lives and lead us to gossip, clubbing, parting, engaging in dangerous activities, the pressure that comes with laziness; Like ignoring our day-to-day duties and deciding to sit watch movie or even sleep where else we could be doing our day-to-day life activities.
(NIV) James 4:4 “ Your adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.”
(NIV ) 1 Corinthians 15:33 “ Do not be misled : “Bad company corrupts good character.”
Regarding to positive peer pressure , the pressure that add value in our lives includes exercising ,reading, engaging in the positive activities around us And any other activities that do not affect our spiritual growth, mental status and physical health. Still we should watch out on the activities that we take, not to overload ourselves because that can lead to negativity in our lives. which may lead to us losing our own time, family time, friends time and most of all God’s time. Even as Christians we should take good care of ourselves and watch out on what we are engaging in. still we should keep God at the center of all that we are doing in our lives. By that we are able to overcome peer pressure because with God we will know what to do and still by setting self boundaries that we feel safe and comfortable with. If we feel that there is more stress when it comes to handling the peer pressure, it is good if we find someone to talk to, someone that can help, but first pray about it, before finding someone.
(NIV ) Hebrews 10:24 “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,”
God calls us to be different from the world. This means we should not let peer pressure push us into making bad decisions. Instead, we need to stand firm in our beliefs and trust doing what is right will always be the best choice, even if it is not popular. Sometimes, this may mean saying “NO” to friends or walking away from situations that could lead us down the wrong path.
( NIV) Matthew 5:16, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your father in heaven.”
It is also important to remember that we are not alone. God gives us strength to resist bad influence, and He places in our lives who will encourage us in our walk with Him . By seeking His guidance, we can overcome peer pressure and make choices that reflects His love and goodness.
