SATURDAY, MARCH 12, 2022

DEALING WITH PEER PRESSURE AMONG YOUTH.

Daniel 3:16-30.

EXPOSITION: Most of us understand that peer pressure is the influence exerted on  us by our age-mates and sometimes even older people, encouraging  us to change our attitudes, values or behaviour in order to conform to  their norm. We live in 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 almost half of the world’s population are recognized. It is estimated that 71% of Facebook users are young people. Young people are being influenced at all levels, especially in our schools, colleges and universities. As a Christian youth, you must let your light shine! Others  may be influenced but you cannot. Paul the Apostle reminded young Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:15 saying “and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make  you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus”.

We should not allow friends or circumstances to lead us into sin. As a young person with a promising future, you must resolve in your mind not to be influenced by the corruptions and negativity in your institution of studies or place of work. You must have the Daniel- mentality. Daniel 1:8 says that “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”.

When it came to a  critical situation Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego stood up against the corrupt influences of King Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel 3:16-18 reads “Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” Dearest one in the Lord, stand firm in the Lord!

PRAYER GUIDE: Pray that the Lord will grant you the strength to resist all negative forms of peer pressure. Amen.

MEMORY VERSE FOR THIS WEEK: 1 Timothy 4:12-13: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.”