The Pressure of Being Young
School has finally started and so have the pressures that young people will inevitably face. There is pressure to do well in their school studies, in succeeding in their extracurricular activities, balancing their school work with activities and jobs, and all the while trying to be pleasing to God.
All of these pressures place a great demand on young people. However, the most important one of all is the pressure to do what is right in the sight of God. Paul tells us to “abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22). As an inspired writer, Paul tells us that because God wants and expects us to be obedient to His will.
Young people are constantly faced with the pressures of drugs and alcohol. Both drugs and alcohol are harmful to the body and we are to take care of our bodies and present them as a living sacrifice to God because they are not our own (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Abstaining from drugs and alcohol is the right thing to do in the eyes of God yet many young people give in to the temptation.
Young people are also faced with the pressure of becoming sexually active. Sex is promoted all around us. Hollywood makes sex out to be the “cool thing” to do. The Bible is very clear about avoiding fornication. Those who practice fornication “will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:19-21). Abstaining from fornication is the right thing to do in the eyes of God and yet many young people go ahead and give in to the temptation.
You people are faced with the pressure of “fitting in.” Many young people simply want to fit in with their friends. Often times “fitting in” requires that they compromise their faith in order to be popular. To be popular, young people are pressured to dress a certain way, talk a certain way, act a certain way that goes against the will of God. Young people must be careful who they choose to be friends with. “Do not be deceived: Bad company corrupts good morals” (1 Corinthians 15:33). Choosing your friends wisely is the right thing to do in the eyes of God yet many people go ahead and give in to the temptation.
Our young people are facing decisions every day that can and will change their lives forever, not to mention the affect it can have on their spiritual lives.
Parents, please realize the pressures that your children are facing every day. Make it a point to talk with your child about the issues they are facing. Study the Bible with them and show them what God would have them do, because that is always the right thing to do.
Paul said, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
Young people, no matter how much pressure you face, you can always choose to do the right thing in the eyes of God.
