" PEER PRESSURE "

Good Morning All,

Another week has come and gone and I'm looking
forward to our time together this week. I'm thinking of
you and you are in my prayers, I wish the best for you
and yours. This week we are looking into Peer Pressure,
so sit down and strap in, here we go.

Sometimes we avoid doing what is right because
of what others may think. In the long run it's vital that we
choose to obey God rather than to seek the approval of
others. Imagine standing before a crowd and loudly
voicing an unpopular opinion! We must be willing to
take the unpopular stand to do as God has commanded.
To be effective when you go against the crowd, you must:
(1) Have the facts (2) have the right attitude (3) state
clearly what you believe. Please understand that doing
what is right will not always make you popular. Let's be
clear those who do right will be in the minority, but to
obey God is more important than to obey people.

When the stakes are high it is difficult to stand up
for what is right, and it is easy to see our opponents as
problems to be solved rather than as people to be
respected. When we know what is right but decide not
to do it, the consequences are ours alone. When you
have a difficult decision to make,don't discount the
efforts of peer pressure. Take note beforehand that
the right decision could have unpleasant consequences:
Social Rejection, Career Derailment, Public Ridicule.
Think, and resolve to stand up for what is right no matter
what other people pressure you to do.

When you think back when was the last time that you
knuckled under to peer pressure? Let's face it in this life
we have to make decisions and often during the span of
the day. Many things can tempt us to abandon what we
know is right. The desire to be accepted by others can
lead us into behavior that is unacceptable to the Father.
Don't be pressured into disobedience.

What a difference it makes to those of us who know
Jesus! He cares for us in spite of what the world thinks.
As Christians we don't have to give in to public opinion
and pressure. Don't let circumstances or people's
expectations control you. Be firm as you stand true to
God, and refuse to compromise his standards for living.

Until Next Time...

Jim