Overcoming Peer Pressure

Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.”

1 Corinthians 15:33

One of my favorite television shows over the years was Candid Camera. I especially enjoyed the segments when the situations illustrated peer pressure. In one sketch, there was an elevator full of actors all facing the back of the elevator. When the doors opened and the unsuspecting “guinea pig” stepped in, he was the only one facing the correct way. But eventually the camera showed him turning around the wrong way as well. He couldn’t take the pressure of being the only one doing the right thing.

The pressure to conform is at its very greatest during the years when a young person is moving from childhood to adulthood. During that time in our lives we want to be accepted so badly that we are very vulnerable to group pressure. And don’t think this pressure doesn’t impact Christian young people. Whether it’s drugs being passed around a car, a party where alcohol is available, or a slumber party where sexual exploits are discussed, there is immense pressure on young people to conform to society’s standards. Peer pressure among young people today is one of the strongest forces for ruining lives. And it’s time we as parents and young people get on top of the problem and begin to develop a strategy to overcome it.