DCLM Higher Everyday 8 July 2025 — Negative Peer Influence

Topic: Negative Peer Influence

Text — 1 Kings 12: 8-14

8But he forsook the counsel of the old men, which they had given him, and consulted with the young men that were grown up with him, and which stood before him:

9And he said unto them, What counsel give ye that we may answer this people, who have spoken to me, saying, Make the yoke which thy father did put upon us lighter?

10And the young men that were grown up with him spake unto him, saying, Thus shalt thou speak unto this people that spake unto thee, saying, Thy father made our yoke heavy, but make thou it lighter unto us; thus shalt thou say unto them, My little finger shall be thicker than my father’s loins.

11And now whereas my father did lade you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke: my father hath chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.

12So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam the third day, as the king had appointed, saying, Come to me again the third day.

13And the king answered the people roughly, and forsook the old men’s counsel that they gave him;

14And spake to them after the counsel of the young men, saying, My father made your yoke heavy, and I will add to your yoke: my father also chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.

Key Verse: “And spake to them after the counsel of the young men, saying, My father made your yoke heavy, and I will add to your yoke: my father also chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions” (1 Kings 12: 14).

Message

Peer influence or peer pressure which could be negative or positive is a situation where people, especially pre-teens and teenagers engage in activities because they want to have a sense of belonging, feel accepted, trendy and valued among friends. Negative peer influence has made some teenagers to choose to try out things they would not ordinarily be interested in like smoking, cultism, wearing torn jeans trousers, outlandish jewelries, unkempt braided hairstyle, and joining drug addicts. Negative influence made Rehoboam to speak according to the counsels of his young friends who flattered his ambition, ego and pride. He responded rudely to the old wise men, and forsook their counsel to his ruin.

Also Read: DCLM Higher Everyday 7 July 2025 – But All Were Virgins

There are youths today who act like Rehoboam. We must not allow them to come near us because of their toxic influence. Like Daniel and his three Hebrew friends, every youth must resolve not to be defiled. However, there are positive peer pressures that could propel you to higher grounds in your spiritual and academic life. Identify good peer influences and associate with those with such qualities.

Quote: Resolve not to be defiled.

Challenge: Identify with believing faithful friends.

Prayer for today: Lord, help me to avoid youths with negative influences.

GOSPEL REALM: STEPS TO SALVATION
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)