How Can I Deal with Peer Pressure?

Verse of the Day:

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

-Romans 12:2

The Question

What do you do when everyone around you is doing something that you know isn’t right? Do you feel the pressure to go along with it?

Peer pressure isn’t just something that you face in middle school. It’s everywhere. It’s in friendships, at school, online, and even in what you watch or post on social media. Sometimes the pressure is obvious, but other times it’s subtle. It could be the pressure to fit in, be like, or to not stand out on your faith.

How do you stay strong when it feels like everyone else is going the other direction?

The Struggle

Peer pressure often makes us feel torn between two things

1. The desire to be accepted
2. The desire to do what’s right

The truth is…wanting to belong is normal. God created us for community. The problem comes when we start valuing PEOPLE’s approval over GOD’s approval. Proverbs 29:25 warns “the fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.”

Following Jesus sometimes means standing out…setting yourself apart from the crowd. That can feel uncomfortable, especially at first. But God doesn’t want you to blend in. He calls you stand out!

The Truth

Thankfully, the Bible gives us clear wisdom on how to handle peer pressure:

1. Remember who you belong to.

Before you can stand strong, you have to know who you are standing for. In the end of Galatians 1:10, Paul says, “If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” You are not defined by other people’s opinions. You are defined by God’s truth.

2. Renew your mind daily.

Romans 12:2 reminds us not to conform to the world’s patterns, but to be transformed by renewing our minds. That means that we must fill our hearts with Scripture and truth so we can recognize lies when they come.

3. Choose your friends wisely.

Proverbs 13:20 says, “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” The people that you spend time with will shape the person that you become. Surround yourself with friends who encourage your faith, not compromise it.

4. Have the courage to say no.

Saying “no” doesn’t make you weak. Saying “no” makes you strong. Even as an exile, Daniel refused to eat the king’s food in Babylon because it went against God’s law (Daniel 1:8), and God honored his courage. Standing firm may cost you popularity at times, but it will always strengthen your character and your walk with God.

5. Lean on God for strength.

You don’t have to fight peer pressure alone. Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Paul is not claiming the ability to do anything through some sort of unlimited ability. What he means here is that Christ gives him strength to endure all circumstances, both good and bad, with contentment. Lean on God for strength to endure during the tough times presented through peer pressure.

The Response

Standing firm in your faith won’t always be easy. It will, however, always be worth it. Each time you choose obedience over approval, your faith will grow stronger and your light will shine brighter.

Jesus said, “let your light shine before others” in Matthew 5:16. Don’t hide your faith in order to fit in. Live it boldly so others can see God in you.

The world doesn’t need more followers. It needs more faithful leaders who aren’t afraid to stand for the truth.

Reflection Questions

1. When have you felt the pressure to fit in or go along with the crowd?
2. Which of the truths from this lesson do you need to remember most right now?
3. Who in your life helps you stay strong in your faith when it’s hard?

Prayer

Father, Thank You for reminding me that I belong to You. Help me to be strong when I face the peer pressure to compromise my faith. Give me wisdom to choose good friends that will help me in my walk with You. Give me courage to stand firm in my faith. Give me the strength to follow You even when it is hard. Amen.