Stand Strong At School

Preparing for the Journey

No… I’m not talking about getting your paper, pencils, backpack, or clothes. Are you ready spiritually for the new school year?

It will be a year of great opportunities, but also major challenges. Whether we are in school or out in the working world, we are often challenged to defend who we are and what we believe.

The Power of Peer Pressure

Pressure from others to conform (to fit in with the crowd) is sometimes open and forceful, such as bullying or taunting. This type of pressure is designed to force you to act a certain way, or to punish you if you rebel against the group’s standards.

At other times, pressure can be very subtle. People might ignore you, avoid you, or whisper behind your back. This quiet rejection sends a clear signal and can often hurt even more than outright bullying.

Four Steps for a Godly Teenager

How should a Christian teenager handle these pressures? Here are four practical steps:

1. Treat others with respect

We must follow the biblical principle to “esteem others better than self” (Philippians 2:1-10). Godly teens should never be involved in bullying, taunting, gossiping, or ignoring others. Every soul is precious in God’s sight, and we need to see others through His eyes.

2. Be a friend to the friendless

Jesus was known for welcoming those who were lonely. While many people want to change the entire world, you can make a massive difference in one person’s world by simply being a true friend. You might be the person who helps them find the answers they are searching for during their greatest hour of need.

3. Embrace your uniqueness

Do you really want to be exactly like everyone else? When you live as a child of God, you reject the foolish choices that so many peers make. They might think you are strange for not joining in, but the wise will always avoid destructive paths (1 Peter 4:1-5; Psalm 1).

4. Stand strong in the face of mistreatment

If you are persecuted (mistreated for your faith), stand tall and thank God. You are in good company, as the prophets, the apostles, and Jesus Himself were mistreated for their dedication to God. Instead of holding a grudge, pray for those who hurt you (Matthew 5:10-16; 1 Peter 4:12-19).

A Promise to Remember

As the scripture encourages us:

“If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you… if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.” (1 Peter 4:14,16)