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Topic: Peer Pressure (07/05/04)
TITLE: A Spiritual Matter By Vanessa Severino 07/07/04 |
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I believe outside influences do contribute and heighten the pressure, however, its most definitely a matter of the heart. The idea that needs addressing isn't the drugs or achohol, they are just the sypmtoms, the red flag, telling us there is a problem, what we need to address, is what compells our children of today to give in to such self destructive behaviors. For one,fear, fear of rejection, fear of being alone, low-self worth, fear of conflict and confrontation, lack of boldness of not standing up to one's beliefs, not knowing how to set boundaries and keep them,pride and selfishness, no regard to what this will do to themselves or their family, that it will break their heart, lack of direction, not enough education of the after affects, or know and just dont care, but it all boils down to little or no knowledge of our Savior Jesus Christ, and what He is waiting to do for them in their peer pressure dilema, if only they will call opon Him,and open that door.
Parents spend million of dollars in psychologist offices, trying to figure out how to teach their kids to have more higher self esteem so they dont feel the need to do whatever it takes to gain validation from others, even at the risk of their own lives. I truly believe that once the person knows, I mean fully has the security that Jesus is here to stay and loves them uncondionally, then they are set free, to let their no's be no's and their yes's be yes's, without fear of what man can do, Jesus doesnt just educate us on what is right and wrong, and encourage us, and boost us up that we can do it, like cheerleaders and coaches do before the big game, he gives us true power, and strength to resist things that will hurt us, and the peace, that whatever happens as a result of us confronting our demons, friends may leave because of the stands we have to take but He never will. Also, in time, he will get us to a point where we are no longer pulling ourselves away from that thing that trips us up, but we are no longer attracted to it. But it takes prayer, lots and lots of prayer, each and every day, parents pray, teachers pray, youth pray, anyone involved in the life of a child directly or indirectly pray, we all have the responsibility to love a child through prayer, todays youth is tommorow's adults. Even when the Lord breaks the strongholds in your life, dont take your victory for granted, keep in prayer. The enemy is around the corner waiting to devour, so keep your eyes focused on your Jesus, who will help you through any and all situations, not by our strength but by his we are more than conquers, where we are weak, he is strong, let the word of God, get inscribed in your heart, ask Jesus He will help inscribe it there, its your armour when the enemy strikes. In Christian Love, I will be praying for you.