Phil Sena

Most peer pressure bombards its victims with messages telling them that they are inadequate and their life is incomplete, unless they go along with the crowd—even though the crowd does not often have the individual's best interest at heart. To resist these strong messages is not easy. To reject them puts a young person at risk of losing acceptance by his or her friends.

Some may dismiss bullying as "a normal part of growing up" that helps kids negotiate the complexities of social interactions. However, while good-natured teasing is a part of many healthy relationships, bullying is far different and more serious.

Even before young people reach sexual maturity, they are bombarded with images that equate "attractiveness" with "looking hot"—with sexual appeal and seductiveness.

The God of the Bible showed that humans need others when He observed about Adam, "It is not good that man should be alone" (Genesis 2:18). This simple statement speaks to our basic need to form relationships, without which we will become lonely.

What is wisdom? One dictionary defines wisdom as "accumulated philosophic or scientific learning." However, a very intellectual person can make very unwise choices, so there must be something more to it.