Stop, look & listen to the audio message while reading ... it's so much more personal!
"Peer Pressure"….just reading those words builds pressure - not just for teens but adults too. We all need gauges to monitor pressures in our lives from air in our tires to blood pressure. God's Word and our Christian friends are our best gauges as life brings on a great deal of pressure both externally and internally.
One of my heroes is Hudson Taylor, an English missionary who committed his life ministering to those in China (and founded China Inland Missions). He once said, "It doesn't matter really how great the pressure is, what matters is where the pressure lies--see to it that it never comes between you and the Savior, for greater the pressure, the greater it will press you into His chest." Wow, such a great and clear picture of how to deal with pressure.
Camp is a pressure reliever. It's a great place to make a fresh start, explore new adventures and solidify your faith and convictions. This is not just due to the campers being away from their day to day surroundings, but because of the lives of the coaches and peers who they see, hear and touch that strengthens their character while in our "Camp" environment.
"Peer Pressure" is real though; it can be constructive or destructive. Choose the better friends, better situations that help build character rather than destroy it. Teenagers, don't compromise when it comes to your so called "friends" by giving away your reputation, grades, or integrity only for their approval.
Junior High/High School years will go by way too fast – I know it doesn't feel like it, but it will. Make a conscious choice to stay strong in your morals and values rather than spending the rest of your life with regret. Look in the mirror and know that you are highly valued, treasured and you've been bought with a price. Jesus died to set you free--free from the traps of "Peer Pressure."
Philippians 4:13 certainly applies. YOU CAN THROUGH CHRIST!
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