How to Deal with Negative Peer Pressure

Peer pressure is something that all teenagers face at one point or another in life...

Peer pressure can be either good or bad; It can either be encouragement to do right, or encouragement to do wrong.

Recently, I was able to interview Pastor Jerry Clark from First Baptist Church in Oregon, Illinois in regard to the topic of peer pressure.

The following material is from that interview:

What is the proper Biblical response to negative peer pressure?

Positive peer pressure: Stay close to those who would help you do what is right.

When facing negative peer pressure, keep a good spirit and attitude.

• You may need to simply walk away.

• You may have opportunity to tell why you cannot go along with the group.
  

• You may even influence others to do what is right.

When I am pressured to do wrong, how should I react to those who try to pressure me?

You should be kind but firm in your beliefs.

If we take a stand against sin, Satan desires for us to take that stand in pride.

• Believers must do what is right and pleasing to the Lord with a humble spirit.

If your friends keep after you to do wrong, it is time to look for some better friends.


When being pressured to do wrong, what are some verses that can help me make the decision to do right?

"Choose you this day whom ye will serve . . . but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

Joshua 24:15

"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer."

Psalm 19:14

"Depart from evil, and do good."

Psalm 34:14

"Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge."

Proverbs 14:7

"I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways."

Psalm 119:15

While it may be extremely difficult at times to resist giving in to negative peer pressure, remember that through the strength that Christ gives us, we can do all things. (Philippians 4:13)

It's not wrong to be tempted, but it is wrong to give in to temptation.

"My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not." - Proverbs 1:10

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Photo Credit:

freedigitalphotos.net - Ambro

freedigitalphotos.net - Vlado