Whenever one hears the term "peer pressure," it may stir one to think negatively.  In other words, we think peer pressure is along the same lines as a young person who has taken the wrong paths and we look at those with whom he or she associates.  However, carefully looking at the two words, "peer" and "pressure," shows that good can also come from it as well.
    Webster defines peer as "a person or thing of the same rank, value, ability."  Webster defines pressure as, among other things, "a compelling influence."  Basically, peer pressure is when one who is similar to you has an influence on you.  That does not necessarily mean wrong, either.  It can be good!
    Consider David and Jonathan (I Samuel 18:1-4; 19:1-7).  One looked out for the other.  They were such good friends, that when Saul wanted to kill David, Jonathan intervened on behalf of his friend instead of his father!  Amazing friendship and the influences Jonathan and David had for one another were for the right.  Think of your best friend.   Does he or she have the Jonathan/David quality?
    Let's broaden our friendship a little more.  In Philippians 4:16-19, the apostle Paul commends that church at Philippi for attending to him and his needs.  Paul paid them back with his labors or as he terms it, ". . . fruit that may abound to your account."  The relationship to the church was for the right.  Paul was helped and the church was helped.  Think about the congregation where you attend.  Is the congregation helping you?  More importantly, are you helping the contribution with what you can do?  When I think of the great influences in my life within the congregation where I grew up, they were the foundation on which I grew and kind words kept me going.  Great Bible teachers loved me and helped me to learn more about the Word of God.  Think of your congregation and yourself.  Do both of you have the Paul/Philippi attitude of serving?
    I think of the thief on the cross and our Savior, Jesus Christ (Luke 23:39-43).  Have you ever noticed that Matthew and Mark teach that both thieves reviled Christ while He was on the cross?  Apparently, one thief had a change of heart and simply asked Jesus to remember him.  The thief was definitely in a small company.  Other than the few who mourned for Jesus, he was the only one to speak on behalf of the Lord when He rebuked the other thief.  Jesus' influence changed this man's thinking.  We bear our cross daily (Matthew 16:24) and when we face the pressures of the world, we need to look toward the cross and our Savior (Hebrews 12:1,2) and pray, "Lord, remember me."  What better way to make it through some difficult times in your precious young lives than to keep the Lord first in all you do.
    "Be not deceived:  evil communications corrupt good manners."  (I Corinthians 15:33).  Always avoid the peer pressure that will lead you in the wrong way!  You will never go wrong by doing right.  Having friends that focus on Christ is the right peer pressure you need.  Having a congregation who will love you and strengthen you along with you strengthening it by your service is the right peer pressure you need.  Always keep your eyes focused on the Lord who wants the best for you and teaches so by His Word!  May God bless you and keep on going on!