Anonymous said...
Hi, what do I do when I feel like I have alot of peer pressure?????
Trophy of Grace said...
I would say the first thing you may need to do is step back and reconsider who you’re hanging out with. Obviously those closest to you are trying to get you to do wrong or to participate in things that you do not feel comfortable with. Try talking with them and telling them that you feel pressured and uncomfortable with their influence regarding whatever the situation is. If the peer pressure continues then you may need to get away from whoever is causing the peer pressure.
King Solomon told his son, “My child, if sinners entice you, turn your back on them!” (Proverbs 1:10) He tells his son not to go along with all the bad things that these so called ‘friends’ wanted to do. He advised him to stay far away from their paths. (Proverbs 1:15, 4:14) Therefore I too must advise the same. Stay far away from anything or anyone that will cause you to sin. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. (2 Timothy 2:22, 1 Timothy 6:11)
You have to choose your friends wisely. Do not be deceived evil company corrupts good habits. (1 Corinthians 16:33) Our circle of friends can influence us. You want to have wise friends who love and long to please the Lord. If your friends are wise men then you too will be wise. But if your companions are fools who do not fear the Lord you may be destroyed. (Proverbs 13:20) You could get into trouble just for hanging out with them, being at the wrong place at the wrong time. Be sure that your closest friends are those who will be an encouragement to you. They will be there to lift you up not to tear you down. (Ecclesiastes 4:10)
I was reading an article from Brio Magazine online about picking friends. I like what it had to say about what to look for. Here’s a clip from the article:
From the article 'Call Me!' By Mark Matlock
What To Look For
Hi, what do I do when I feel like I have alot of peer pressure?????
Trophy of Grace said...
I would say the first thing you may need to do is step back and reconsider who you’re hanging out with. Obviously those closest to you are trying to get you to do wrong or to participate in things that you do not feel comfortable with. Try talking with them and telling them that you feel pressured and uncomfortable with their influence regarding whatever the situation is. If the peer pressure continues then you may need to get away from whoever is causing the peer pressure.
King Solomon told his son, “My child, if sinners entice you, turn your back on them!” (Proverbs 1:10) He tells his son not to go along with all the bad things that these so called ‘friends’ wanted to do. He advised him to stay far away from their paths. (Proverbs 1:15, 4:14) Therefore I too must advise the same. Stay far away from anything or anyone that will cause you to sin. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. (2 Timothy 2:22, 1 Timothy 6:11)
You have to choose your friends wisely. Do not be deceived evil company corrupts good habits. (1 Corinthians 16:33) Our circle of friends can influence us. You want to have wise friends who love and long to please the Lord. If your friends are wise men then you too will be wise. But if your companions are fools who do not fear the Lord you may be destroyed. (Proverbs 13:20) You could get into trouble just for hanging out with them, being at the wrong place at the wrong time. Be sure that your closest friends are those who will be an encouragement to you. They will be there to lift you up not to tear you down. (Ecclesiastes 4:10)
I was reading an article from Brio Magazine online about picking friends. I like what it had to say about what to look for. Here’s a clip from the article:
From the article 'Call Me!' By Mark Matlock
What To Look For
To see if someone has the qualities of a true friend, look for words, actions, reaction and direction. These are often the more obvious clues to uncovering the more subtle qualities of loyalty, honesty, forgiveness and realism.
Words. Listen to what people talk about. Do they talk at all about seeking God and His kingdom, or are they obsessed with pleasure, approval, power, status and things? Does their humor destroy or build up people? I can’t tell you how many times I’ve caught myself repeating a phrase or joke I heard from another friend. Do you want to be heard talking like those you hang around with.
Actions. Some people say the right things but don’t back up their words through their actions. This can be especially true at Christian universities. A person’s behavior tells more about his values and convictions than his words do, so take notice of what people do, where they go and how they handle responsibilities.
Reactions. Watch for people’s reactions to success and failure, to joys and disappointments. If a person quickly gets angry at small problems, steer clear. On the other hand, you’ll see wisdom in those who pray for needs, care about others’ hurts, listen well and stand strong on their convictions.
Please pray and consider the influence that your friends are having on you. It may be time to sever these relationships and ask the Lord to bring you godly friendships, ones that will glorify Him and encourage as well as edify you. I will be praying for you too.
