How Can I Cope With Peer Pressure?

A letter from a policeman in Chicago, U.S.A., illustrates the importance of knowing the answer. He writes:

“On January 15, 1990, I was processing an 18-​year-​old prisoner who was brought back to Chicago from Mississippi on a fugitive warrant. Part of the processing is to take all the prisoner’s property. He had in his possession a book, Questions Young People Ask​—Answers That Work.

“‘Did you read this book?’ I asked.

“‘Yes,’ he replied. ‘While I was hiding in Mississippi, I worked on a farm, and two of Jehovah’s Witnesses gave me this book.’ Then he started to cry, sobbing almost uncontrollably. Between sobs, he said: ‘I’ve read this book many times, and the chapter I keep reading over and over is “How Can I Cope with Peer Pressure?”’ He added: ‘If I had only had this information three or four years ago, I would not be here today.’

“The prisoner was led away, and I read the police report and the confession he gave to the police. In it he said: ‘The leader of my gang told me to go down the street and shoot a rival gang member who was selling cocaine in our territory. I did what I was told. I feared the other members would think I’m not cool. I wanted to be accepted.’

“This 18-​year-​old prisoner was charged with murder, and if convicted, he will be put on death row for doing what his peers told him to do.”

The Bible offers reliable guidelines and wise counsel for many of today’s problems. If you would like to have further information or a free home Bible study, please write to Watchtower, 25 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, New York 11201, or to the appropriate address listed on page 5.