Many things can tempt us to abandon what we know is right.  The desire to be accepted by others can lead us into behavior that is unacceptable to God.  Don’t be pressured into disobedience or being like something that you aren’t.  Act the way that no one else can.  Act like you and be yourself. 

It’s easy to give in to crowd pressure, to let ourselves be coerced into doing wrong.  Do what is right no matter how embarrassing or painful it may be.  Don’t try to be so bad and cool or fit in with the “in crowd” or be a follower or even an imitator.  Be an innovator.  Don’t grow up like certain people who fall into that depressed syndrome because they didn’t do the right thing with their life.  Be about something, don’t be about nothing, because if you’re about nothing you’ll fall for anything.

Don’t follow bad advice because it can cause disaster.  It’s easy to follow the advice of our peers because they often feel as we do.  But their views may be limited.  Take heed to the advice that “MATURE” adults give.  Look at the examples of people who are living a “BLESSED” and joyful life, and those who are still moping around dreaming of a better life.

If you believe in God and you believe God is great and majestic, then believe what I’m about to say.  We were all made like God and therefore we share many of God’s characteristics.  So, check yourselves my spiritual brothers and sisters.  Cherish this life.  Don’t end up being a dreamer chilling on the “I Wish” train.  Talking about I wish I had done this; I wish I had done that.  I wish I had lived my life differently.

Be about God’s business.  Be your own role model by loving and respecting yourself and then you can show love and respect towards others.  Stay up and God Bless. – Arjay L. M. Smith (age 17 ½)