Gen Z for Christ

Peer pressure is a feeling that one must do the same things as other people of one’s age and social group, to be liked or respected by them.

At one point or the other we’ve been a victim of peer pressure and we have been forced to do things we don’t necessarily see as “Right”. Peer pressure is very real and powerful, even among adults.

Galatians 1:10 ~ “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.”

Romans 12:2 also says ~ “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Peer pressure has been from time immemorial but tough as it is, as Christians, we know that we should be behaving in a different way: staying sober enough to retain control of ourselves or avoiding destructive conversation.

Sometimes it’s easier to say nothing than to stand up for what we know is right and true as a follower of Jesus. Peer pressure has an immense hold over us. We think it’s just for children and young people – but I think peer pressure remains just as strong through our adult life.

When children start school, their parents begin to lose the influence they once had. By the teenage years, peers are the most influential group as teenagers navigate finding an identity and figuring out the roles that they play.

When they eventually leave their Home as young adult to continue life on their own on campus, they are more exposed to peer pressure than ever before.

In a Single- question survey with students on campus, Christian Students share how they cope under peer pressure especially in relation with their belief.

DCM:

“How do you navigate the challenges of peer pressure while staying true to your Christian values?”

Answer…1

“One very important thing I have done over time, is to not be a Christian by religion but by my lifestyle. I do not just go to church, but I recognize that I am the church (the body of Christ). This decision of mine has helped me to stay true to my Christian values.

When you are a Christian by lifestyle, you’d only keep certain kind of friends. That way there is a limit to the kind of peer pressure you’d be exposed to.

While being a Christian it is imperative to know God. Don’t just know hymns, know him. Since I Know the owner of the values, it is easy to ask him to help me uphold it.

Once you know I’m a Christian, there are some questions and discussions you won’t even bring my way. I like to be referred to as a church girl, as an SU self because it has saved me from a lot of nonsense.

I know God and he has helped me to live right. That is how I navigate through peer pressures.”

Jesutofunmi Oluwadare

Ekiti State University

Answer…2

“Navigating peer pressure while staying true to your Christian values can be tough because of the environment.

 But surrounding yourself with supportive friends who share the same values and lean on same faith not necessarily same faith but also a believer for guidance.

Pray for strength and remember that you have the power to make choices that align with your beliefs and determination.”

Falusi itunuoluwa

Nigerian Institute of Journalism.

Answer…3

“I can’t really say I have much challenge on navigating the challenges of peer pressure while staying true to my Christian values.

I don’t have close friends; I relate with people casually and I try to make friends with people in my church Unit only.

I’m the kind of person that trusts people easily and I know that if I move with the wrong set of people, automatically I will trust them and once I do, I will start doing what they do.

But I have heard some students having challenges on pressures from their roommates.

And some won’t have the courage to stand their ground to talk to them, some also fall prey to peer pressure based on their low self-esteem which makes them eat up every lie and wrong doings in order to gain acceptance from their peers.”

Ogbofaemi Afeoshemime Blessing

Joseph Ayodele Babalola University

JABU Chapel

we are called to live counter-cultural lives; not giving in to peer pressure and doing what others want us to do but seek instead to do the will of God in our lives.

How do we do that?

1. We develop a new mindset as a follower of Jesus.
2. We make lifestyle choices out of our new mindset.
3. We do not judge others or separate ourselves from them in some pious way.
4. We continue to love and show hospitality and to respect and to serve.

In this way, we will resist the peer pressure and we will live the life to which we are called as a follower of Jesus.

It is a counter-cultural calling and not an easy one to live out – but it is who we are, and it is who we are destined to be.

This calling is a privilege – and in the power of the Holy Spirit – it is possible for us all.

Jesus calls it “life in all its fullness” – and we can embrace that and live it.