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The Friends You Keep

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
Proverb 17:17

Are you a people-pleaser or a God-pleaser? Hopefully, you’re far more concerned with pleasing God than you are with pleasing your friends. But even if you’re a maturing follower of Christ, you may, from time to time, feel the urge to impress your friends and acquaintances – and sometimes that urge will be strong.

Peer Pressure can be good or bad, depending upon who your peers are and how they behave. If your friends encourage you to follow God’s will and to obey His commandments, then you’ll experience positive peer pressure, and that’s a good thing. But if your friends encourage you to do foolish things, then you’re facing a different kind of peer pressure…and you’d better beware. When you feel pressured to do things – or to say things – that lead you away from God, you’re heading straight for trouble. So don’t do the “easy” thing or the “popular” thing. Do the right thing, and don’t worry about winning any popularity contests.

Are you satisfied with following the crowd? If so, you will probably pay a heavy price for your shortsightedness. But if you’re determined to follow Jesus, He will guide your steps and bless your deeds. To sum it up, here’s your choice: you can choose to please God first, or you can fall prey to peer pressure. The choice is yours – and so are the consequences.

Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, You search my heart and know me far better than I know myself. Empower me to be a worthy servant who seeks to follow Your will daily. Surround me with those who will help, encourage and challenge me to honor You with the gifts and abilities You have blessed me with. Holy Spirit help me to remain faithful and obedient and to encourage my friends to do the same. I pray this in Jesus’ Name. Amen