With God’s help, we want to look at how a Christian youth can overcome peer pressure in this present day.

WHAT IS PEER PRESSURE?     

Peer pressure is the influence exerted on you by your age mate(s), encouraging you to change your attitudes, values, or behaviors in order to conform to their group norms. It could either be positive or negative. This article, however, is on how a Christian youth can avoid negative peer pressure. It can come from friends in schools or even someone you have seen on TV and admire.

The fact is, the world of the youth is interesting and challenging. It is a world filled with potentials and opportunities to be explored and developed for wonderful results. Everywhere in the world, the great potentials for the young population, which is about half of the world’s population, are recognized. This is why so much should be committed to ensuring that these potentials are fully tapped into and developed, because therein lies strength, growth, and development of every organization, or nation.

Sadly, many young people fail to recognize the great opportunities that they have and the wonderful future that lies ahead of them if these opportunities are properly harnessed and utilized. Many of them are overwhelmed by the euphoria and ecstasy of their age, and also peer pressure which has blindfolded them to the realities of life. Others go on without awakening from the stupor their fantasies have drawn them into; thus wasting their whole lives filled with untapped potentials. Some wake up too late to realize that they had wasted a good part of their lives, that would definitely have made them better than what they are, and have struggled so hard to come to terms with the realities of life.

A former schoolmate of mine named Hawa, came from a godly home. She was very beautiful, brilliant and studious. She was one of the best students in my senior school days, however, she had a problem with peer pressure. There were some rich students that used to come with vehicles to school, and buy good food; they were admired by virtually everyone. This set of boys wanted to play with Hawa and destroy her future. I was a good friend to Hawa and when the boys started proposing love to her, I told her the truth, that these boys would not marry her. I encouraged her to focus on her studies and dream big. I tried all I could to make her believe in herself and study, but to no avail. She had a friend who was always advising her negatively. After a few weeks, I heard a rumor that she was dating one of the rich boys, David, who was always smoking and gambling on the streets after school. This was very troubling for me because I knew in my spirit that it was a wrong decision on the part of Hawa to be with that boy. I tried talking to her a few times, but to no avail. I starting praying for her, knowing full well she needed prayers at such a time. She had another female friend who pressured her a lot and since they were both female, they spent much time together. I only saw her a few times each week. After a while the boy introduced her to smoking, and alot of negative activities. Her performance in school went down drastically; she became addicted to all sorts of hard drugs.

One fateful day, as we were in the school, we saw some police officers come looking for David, because they had gotten information that he deals hard drugs. After they searched him thoroughly, they found nothing on him. As the police were about to leave the school premises, Hawa walked in; David had put his hard drugs in her bag unawares. The police had to search her too, since she was his girlfriend, to ensure that he was totally clean. As they opened her bag, there were his hard drugs in there. She started crying, but it was too late. The police then arrested both of them. After much prayer by her loved ones she was later released, but that scar remained on her for a very long time. This is what happens when a

peer influences you negatively. As Christian youth, our light should shine! Others may be influenced, but we cannot. “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 3:15.  We should not allow friends or circumstances to lead us into sin.        

HOW DO I OVERCOME PEER PRESURE IN SCHOOLS, COLLEGES, AND UNIVERSITIES AND AT WORK PLACES?

  1. 1. DECISION: It all starts with decision. The decision comes from the heart. You must make up your mind! To resolve is to decide firmly on a course of action. As a young person with a promising future, you must decide firmly not to be affected by the corruption in the institute of your studies or work. You must constantly remember that, though you are in the world, you are not of the world; you are destined for greatness. “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.” Daniel 1:8. Daniel had an understanding on how to overcome the flesh; therefore, he made a decisive choice—deciding from the inside (heart). You must make up your mind as a youth to be holy, and serve the Lord anywhere. It is a choice, “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve.” Joshua 24:15
  2. KNOW YOUR GOD: Know your God and exactly what you believe in. Make sure anyone who wants to become your friend, knows from the very onset that your beliefs and obedience to God come first before anything else in your life. For Joseph to succeed he needed to know the God he served. “There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back anything from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” Genesis 39:9

Let us see the story of the three Hebrew children: “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.” Daniel 3:16–18. These young men knew their God very well and because of that they were not afraid of what the world would do to them. They went further to say, even if God chooses not to deliver them, they will not worship the king’s idol. Until a Christian youth is able to understand this, he/she might end up in the hands of the devil.

“And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.” Daniel 11:32. “Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.” Acts 5:29. Read your Bible and pray every day. It will bring you closer to God. The word of God is the ultimate safeguard against peer pressure.

  1. STAND OUT: Standing out is not always easy but you must stand out to succeed. Stand up to what you believe in. Be proud of who you are. It is the best way of life to be able to do this without regret. Do not let anyone or anything change your mind, and do not let them make you doubt your abilities. Do not be ashamed of yourself or your faith in Christ. Be courageous! “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.” 2 Corinthians 6:17

“For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10. “The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.” Proverbs 29:25

  1. CONFIDENCE: Be confident in yourself. Say, “no” to negative peer pressure and stand your ground. The grace to do so is available if only you are ready to say “no” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age. Be bold in the presence of your peers and always speak with confidence. Signs of timidity and weakness will encourage the person pressuring you to continue until he/she succeeds. “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.” Titus 2:11–12

Ask for this grace in prayer. And when you ask, do not pray casually. Cry out with all your might for wisdom. God will give it to you. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” James 1:5. “My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.” Proverbs 1:10

“Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.” Psalms 27:3

  1. DO YOUR DO: Doing what everyone else does might look fun, but if you know in your spirit that it is the wrong thing to do, you must summon the courage to say no. Then you must do what is right. Do not copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know and enjoy the person you are. “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:2. In my college days, people knew me with a slogan, “Watch me do my do” meaning, watch and see how I do things in a godly way. There is a saying people say, “If you go to Rome, you must behave like the Romans do.” Well, listen to my own version. “If you go to Rome as a Believer, teach the Romans how to behave well.” You cannot follow the crowd and disobey God! Do your do and stay happy in the Lord. Do not compromise your salvation for the pleasures of this evil world, take your stand as a youth and God will lift you up as He did for your brothers, Joseph, Daniel, Job, David, and Solomon, etc.
  2. RECOGNIZE YOUR GOOD FRIENDS: Hang out with close friends, who should have the same mindset as you do. If your companions are also trying to do the right thing it will become less likely for you to be negatively peer pressured. In fact, their good qualities will rub off onto you in a matter of time. Become wise by walking with the wise; hang out with fools and watch your life fall to pieces. Do not be deceived and misled! Evil companionship’s communion and associations corrupt and deprave good manners and morals and character. “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” 1 Corinthians 15:33

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in His law doth he meditate day and night.” Psalm 1:1–2

Happy are those who reject the advice of evil people, who do not follow the example of sinners or join those who have no use for God. Instead, they find joy in obeying the Law of the Lord, and they study it day and night. Show me your friend, and I will tell you who you are. There are no two ways about it. If your friends are believers, your faith will increase; likewise, if your friends are unbelievers, gradually you might fall away. Heaven is a race; you do not need people that will slow down your speed. Get them off your road and keep running with Jesus.

  1. DO NOT BE A RECIPIENT: Do not accept invitations to parties with lots of people you do not know. Do not associate with people who use bad language, swear all the time, drink, do drugs, have dirty minds, watch dirty movies, etc. It is impossible to continue to resist the constant temptations of people who constantly do wrong if you are always hanging out with them. Avoid situations that may cause you to give in to peer pressure. For instance, if an acquaintance or friend asks you to smoke or drink, think about what it will do to your body; be strong to resist temptations. For your body is the temple of the Lord. Associate with people but do not welcome and foster all types of friendships. The person that will destroy you will not come as an enemy, they will come as a friend. The wolf in sheep’s clothing will break your bones if care is not taken. When you are unsure of what to do, or need help, at any point in time, do not be afraid to go to your parent, pastor, a youth group pastor or leader, Christian friends, or a trusted Christian adult for guidance, good lecturers and, above all, go to God your heavenly Father.

For what will it profit you, if you gain the pleasures of today and forfeit your future? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his life?

“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him.” James 1:12. Happy are those who remain faithful under trials, because when they succeed in passing their tests, they will receive as their reward the life which God has promised to those who love Him.

With God’s help, you will be faithful and overcome all negative peer pressures. You will not fail God!

Be prudent in your interactions and inter-personal relationships!

Ebrima John Jaiteh, The Gambia