Peer Pressure

Now that summer vacation is long gone and school is well underway, I am sure that many of you are beginning to feel the weight of the world on your shoulders. Homework, practices, chores and responsibilities are just a few of the many burdens you are facing right now. As you all know, there will be many pressures that come your way in the next few weeks and months. When I was in high school, peer pressure was the leading cause for stress in my life. I had so many friends that I wanted to please and at times I was worn very thin. Many of those friends encouraged me to do things that were not always right. I knew in my heart that I was better off to say no, but the fear of being an outcast drove me to participate in these things. Looking back, I wish that I would have had listened to the wisdom and teaching of others who tried to keep me out of trouble. More importantly, I wish that I would have taken the advice of the Lord that He gives in His word.

The book of Hebrews was written to Jewish believers who were under severe persecution. They were being tempted to return to their old ways and leave the new life that they had in Christ. The author encouraged them to stay strong and do what they knew was right. Hebrews 13:13 says “let us go forth therefore unto Him without the camp, bearing His reproach.” No matter what is happening around you, press on for the cause of Christ. No matter what people may say, do, or think stay strong in the Lord. I encourage all of you to go forth unto HIM! Make it a point this year to not simply be one of the crowd. Leave “the camp” and do what you know is right for the One who bought you with His own shed blood!