April 21, 2008...1:00 pm
More issues…
So, this past Wednesday we discussed a few issues that teens face- peer pressure, friends and drugs. The last post focused on friends, so for this post we will look at drugs and peer pressure.
I was amazed when every youth in the room raised their hand when I asked this question, “How many of you know someone who has done drugs?”. It just goes to show you that drugs are everywhere, including junior high schools. We talked some about the type of people that use drugs, and we all agreed that even the well-off youth use drugs. In fact, it may be easier for them to get the drugs than it is for others that people tend to look at as typical drug users. That may be a truth, and something that you should think about as you hear your peers talk about drugs.
We also talked about alcohol. I named it as a drug, and some disagreed at first. It is addictive, it can be harmful- to you and to others (think about all the drunk driving accidents that hurt innocent people). Now, here’s a question- how many of you have tried alcohol? My guess is many more of you have tried alcohol than have tried drugs, but maybe not. Here’s another question- why is it that alcohol is more socially accepted than drugs? Isn’t it just as harmful? Do you agree or disagree and why?
Ephesians 5:15 says “Be careful then about how you live, not as unwise people but as wise…” Live as wise people, make wise decisions, think about Christ-always. How easy is that? Maybe it is easier for you to think about how someone you look up to would handle a situation than to think about what Jesus would do. Even better, instead of asking yourself the WWJD, ask yourself What Would Jesus Want Me To Do? I believe that Fr. Alex preached about that in a sermon recently. It is simpler to think of only yourself, but Jesus wants you to think of him and others. So, think about that. In fact, if you find that passage from Ephesians interesting, continue reading on in the fifth chapter as Paul writes about renouncing pagan ways, the evil days, and how to live a Christian life.
Now, though we could never discuss enough the ways and reasons to stay away from drugs, I want to move on to peer pressure. I think that the words ‘peer pressure’ lend themselves to images of a bunch of teens surrounding one teen pressuring them to try drugs, or cheat on a test, etc. I think that peer pressure for today’s teens is much more understated. Peer pressure today exists on levels that some parents just can’t understand. Girls, what if you don’t have the right handbag or shoes- do you feel some pressure from some of your friends? I’m guessing that at least some of you can say yes. Boys, what if you don’t have the coolest car or mp3 player? Do your friends make fun of you?
Think about how peer pressure plays out in your life. Think about how you maybe pressure others. Are things coming to mind? I’m sure that each and every one of you can name sometime you have been pressured and sometime you have pressured others. Now, realize that peer pressure is something that is just there- but you can make a difference. A little bit goes a long way!
I will end this post with a prayer that I hope you can use as you think about all of these things… Dear Lord, as I fill my mind with other things, the room for you grows smaller. Help me to keep you always in my life and think of you as I am faced with hard choices. Help me to realize the thrill of drugs and alcohol is nothing like the love that you provide. Give me the wisdom to realize when I have fallen subject to peer pressure and when I am pressuring others. Watch over me Lord as I live my life and keep you in my heart. In your name we pray, Amen.
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