Chronicles of a Christian Teen #5
Peer Pressure?
In today's society, it is overwhelmingly and increasingly becoming normality for teens to drink, smoke, vape, have sexual immorality, etc. The outside allure can make all of these things look fun and promising. Our sinful natures tell us that it is "okay" to give in to these behaviors because everybody else is doing it.
So what's the harm? You may not realize it now, but this kind of lifestyle is detrimental to not only our physical health but especially to our spiritual health. Spiritually, the bad habits rob you out of your focus on God. It begins to spiral out of control until eventually, your faith is left in the dust and your eternal future is at risk.
Even though you know it is wrong and dangerous to give in, it gets increasingly difficult when society portrays the "party" scene as fun, popular, and completely acceptable. In fact, if you don't give in they make you feel like a misfit. Maybe some of your friends have accepted this lifestyle and have tried coercing you to join in. It's easy to feel stuck.
Stuck between the right decision, the wrong decision, the hard decision, and the easy one. It isn't easy to say no. You risk getting left out or even made fun of. However, Romans 12:2 (NLT) says: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing, and perfect will.
God has better plans for you: He does not want you to live foolishly and dangerously, but feely. You may think that by just giving into peer pressure, you will be free. You will feel in control like you can do anything you want. However, you are not doing what YOU want but what the devil wants! You are giving in to the devil's trap! There will always be something missing by living this way. The fulfillment will never be complete - it will only short periods of time, and you will never be fully satisfied.
By living in accordance with God's will, you will be lighter, happier, and made fully complete, because you are living for God, and not for the world. Psalm 1:1-2 (NLT) says: "Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night." It may not be easy, but it is right to follow God. Trust in Him and He will work out each situation for your benefit - but you need to be willing.
You were never meant to "fit in", so stand out you beautiful child.
Amen 😇❤️🌹
In today's society, it is overwhelmingly and increasingly becoming normality for teens to drink, smoke, vape, have sexual immorality, etc. The outside allure can make all of these things look fun and promising. Our sinful natures tell us that it is "okay" to give in to these behaviors because everybody else is doing it.
So what's the harm? You may not realize it now, but this kind of lifestyle is detrimental to not only our physical health but especially to our spiritual health. Spiritually, the bad habits rob you out of your focus on God. It begins to spiral out of control until eventually, your faith is left in the dust and your eternal future is at risk.
Even though you know it is wrong and dangerous to give in, it gets increasingly difficult when society portrays the "party" scene as fun, popular, and completely acceptable. In fact, if you don't give in they make you feel like a misfit. Maybe some of your friends have accepted this lifestyle and have tried coercing you to join in. It's easy to feel stuck.
Stuck between the right decision, the wrong decision, the hard decision, and the easy one. It isn't easy to say no. You risk getting left out or even made fun of. However, Romans 12:2 (NLT) says: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing, and perfect will.
God has better plans for you: He does not want you to live foolishly and dangerously, but feely. You may think that by just giving into peer pressure, you will be free. You will feel in control like you can do anything you want. However, you are not doing what YOU want but what the devil wants! You are giving in to the devil's trap! There will always be something missing by living this way. The fulfillment will never be complete - it will only short periods of time, and you will never be fully satisfied.
By living in accordance with God's will, you will be lighter, happier, and made fully complete, because you are living for God, and not for the world. Psalm 1:1-2 (NLT) says: "Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night." It may not be easy, but it is right to follow God. Trust in Him and He will work out each situation for your benefit - but you need to be willing.
You were never meant to "fit in", so stand out you beautiful child.
Amen 😇❤️🌹
18-21, M