Pressure....

MY FRIENDS PRESSURE ME TO SMOKE

A guy is caught between his friends and a smart decision.

A couple of friends started smoking and constantly invite me to join them. I don’t want to, but I’m afraid to say no. What should I do?
You’re smart for not wanting to smoke. After all, what your buddies may think is an OK activity can end up getting pretty gross: wheezing lungs, yellow teeth, ash-tray breath—a life cut short. The truth is, smoking and healthy lungs don’t mix. Prolonged tobacco use can cause a whole host of life-threatening diseases. That is true of both smoking tobacco and chewing tobacco.
The problem is, your friends are stuck in the moment, which leaves you with some hard questions:
What’s the No. 1 thing keeping me from facing my friends and telling them that I don’t want to smoke?
Would I rather confront the guys and chance losing our friendship or give in and do what I know is wrong?
Do I want growth or guilt? (I’ll probably always wish I had stood strong for what I believe.)

God’s Word can give you the strength and encouragement you need to face your friends. Proverbs 13:20 says, “He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.”

It’s a tough step, but you know what you’ve got to do: Speak up and be true to yourself and God. You may face some weirdness from the guys—like put-downs or a strain on your friendships. Yet I’ve discovered that most people respect those who show backbone and stand confidently for what they believe. What’s more, your courage may be just the thing your buddies need right now. Your actions today may steer them away from even dumber risks in the future.

Adapted from the January 2008 isuue of Breakaway magazine.