Talk about the world and distractions: The world is full of distractions. Moreover, the world is full of things that may distract us from following God. The devil appeals to every group of individuals differently. As for Junior High and High School students, the world shows us and tells us things that seem appealing in the moment. We are told that we can look better, you can do things to make yourself seem better, and you are told you that it is alright to lust. As for college age individuals, they are told by the world that they are not good enough, even if they try their best. It says that you must do this to cope with the stress of the world. Drugs, premarital sex and other unhealthy coping mechanisms are directed towards that group. When you are older, distractions can come from every angle of anything. Even when you feel like you have accomplished something, the devil reminds you of something small that is wrong with your marriage, kids, job, social life, your sanity, etc. Don’t let these distractions take ahold of you, though. Listen to what the Bible has to say.
Read Proverbs 1:8-9…Parents are there to support and love you. Instead of listening to the world and what it offers you, listen to the teachings, instruction and warnings of your parents. They will guide you through this deceiving world.
Ask about the media: What does the media try to show us?…Be a rebel, do what makes you happy (without thinking of the potential dangers), etc.
Read Proverbs 1:10-14…It is so easy to give in to peer pressure. It has the potential to destroy you.
Talk about being a teenager: At any age, it is easy to fall into peer pressure. At some point in our life, we all have been victims of peer pressure. We have all done things to “fit in”. This includes intentionally putting others down for our own gain, lying to others, and talking about other people behind their back for the sake of fitting in.
Talk about sin and peer pressure: Some people may want you to sin (e.g. spread rumors, premarital sex) with them for the sake of the short-term reward (e.g. inflated pride, sexual pleasure). Just remember that the sins of this world have potential to harm everyone. God warns us of that many times in the Bible.
Read Proverbs 1:15-19…Don’t get involved in the lives of others who may lead you away from God. It will lead you to a life of sin.
Read Bible Commentary on Proverbs 1:19… Going after “ill-gotten gain” is one of Satan’s surest traps. It begins when he plants the suggestion that we can’t live without some possession or more money. Then that desire fans its own fire until it becomes an all-consuming obsession. Ask God for wisdom to recognize any greedy desire before it destroys you. God will help you overcome it.
Talk about the traps of this world: Don’t let one thing of this world consume you. Let God be the center of everything you do. Ask God for wisdom to recognize any greedy desire before it destroys you. God will help you overcome it.
Read 1 John 2:15-17…Some people think that worldliness is limited to external behavior—the people we associate with, the places we go, the activities we enjoy. Worldliness is also internal because it begins in the heart and is characterized by three attitudes: (1) the lust of the flesh—preoccupation with gratifying physical desires; (2) the lust of the eyes—craving and accumulating things, bowing to the god of materialism; and (3) the pride of life—obsession with one’s status or importance.
Ask about distractions in your life: Is there anything in your life that is distracting you from God?…If so, get rid of it!!!!