Over the past few weeks, we have talked about what it means to live out real faith in real life. We learned about identity and knowing who you really are as a child of God, that you are never truly alone because He is always with you, and how to recognize what real love looks like compared to the kind of love the world often offers.
This week, we are talking about something every one of us faces in life: peer pressure.
Let’s be real. It is not easy to stand firm when everyone around you is doing something different. We all want to belong. We want to fit in with our friends, our teams, our classmates. There is nothing wrong with wanting connection, but sometimes that desire to fit in can pull us away from who we really are and what we believe.
When I was younger, I remember thinking about running for lieutenant governor. I had a heart for serving people and felt a deep sense that God was calling me to step out and lead in a new way. But as soon as word got out, the voices started coming in. People I respected, insiders, community leaders, even a well known CEO. They all told me not to do it. They listed every reason I should stay in my lane. They said it was not my time. That CEO even sat me down and told me my dreams were selfish.
I will be honest, that one stung. I started questioning myself. Maybe they were right. Maybe I was chasing something I should not. But the more I prayed, the more I realized this was not about pride. It was about purpose. I did not feel like I was chasing a title. I felt called to take a step of faith.
So I ran. And I lost. Badly. It was humbling, but looking back now, that experience changed my life. It opened doors I never could have imagined. It helped me discover my gifts and my calling. It taught me resilience. Most of all, it reminded me that obedience matters more than outcome.
You may not be running for office, but you will have your own crossroads. Moments when standing firm will cost you something. When you know what is right but the pressure to compromise feels real. That is what standing firm looks like. It does not mean ignoring advice or thinking you have all the answers. It means being rooted enough in your purpose to move forward even when others do not yet see what God is doing in you.
The Bible reminds us to be in the world but not of the world. That means we live in it but we do not let it shape our values. It means we love people without losing ourselves. Following Jesus is not about judging others or thinking you are better. It is about staying grounded in who God says you are, even when it is not popular.
You will face moments when your values are tested. Maybe a friend invites you to do something you know is not right. Maybe someone at school says something that makes fun of your faith.
Maybe a teacher challenges you about what you believe and you do not have the answer yet. That is okay. Faith does not mean having every answer. Faith means trusting even when you do not. God’s ways are higher than ours, and sometimes not knowing everything is actually what faith looks like.
The truth is, you do not have to fight pressure alone. God gives you strength to stand firm, and
He surrounds you with people who can encourage you when it gets hard. That is why community matters. Youth group, church, teammates who share your values, and mentors who remind you of who you are help you stay grounded when the world tries to shake you.
When the pressure feels heavy, remember this. Courage is not the absence of fear. It is standing firm in the middle of it.
Here are a few ways to live that out this week:
- Know what you believe. Spend time reading, learning, and praying so your faith has roots. The stronger your foundation, the harder it is to be shaken.
- Choose your circle wisely. The people you spend the most time with will influence you the most. Surround yourself with friends who push you closer to purpose, not away from it.
- Respond with grace. When someone disagrees with your faith, listen with kindness. You can stand firm without becoming hard. Jesus led with truth and love.
- Remember who you belong to. Your worth is not decided by popularity, likes, or opinions. You are God’s child. That truth anchors you when everything else changes.
Standing firm does not mean standing alone. God stands with you. And every time you choose integrity over approval, Heaven notices. One day, people will not remember the times you followed the crowd. They will remember the moments you stood firm for what was right.
Keep The Faith (K.T.F)
Next in the Real Life. Real Faith series: Finding Purpose (Your Why)
