Higher Everyday

Key Verse

“And spake to them after the counsel of the young men, saying, My father made your yoke heavy, and I will add to your yoke: my father also chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions” (1 Kings 12: 14).

Text — 1 Kings 12: 8-14

Message

Peer influence or peer pressure which could be negative or positive is a situation where people, especially pre-teens and teenagers engage in activities because they want to have a sense of belonging, feel accepted, trendy and valued among friends. Negative peer influence has made some teenagers to choose to try out things they would not ordinarily be interested in like smoking, cultism, wearing torn jeans trousers, outlandish jewelries, unkempt braided hairstyle, and joining drug addicts. Negative influence made Rehoboam to speak according to the counsels of his young friends who flattered his ambition, ego and pride. He responded rudely to the old wise men, and forsook their counsel to his ruin.

There are youths today who act like Rehoboam. We must not allow them to come near us because of their toxic influence. Like Daniel and his three Hebrew friends, every youth must resolve not to be defiled. However, there are positive peer pressures that could propel you to higher grounds in your spiritual and academic life. Identify good peer influences and associate with those with such qualities.

Quote

Resolve not to be defiled.

Challenge

Identify with believing faithful friends.

Prayer for today

Lord, help me to avoid youths with negative influences.