Everybody’s doing it. I don’t want to be the oddball. You might not admit it out loud, but it’s in the back of your mind whenever you encounter pressure to do something. And it doesn’t even have to be something sinful.
Everybody’s dating…going on the school ski trip…signing up for basketball…getting tattoes of roses on their ankles…
The list goes on.
We like to be known for our accomplishments—the things we’ve done that set us apart from the rest of our peers. But very few of us like to stand out for what we don’t do, and that’s what gives peer pressure its power.
Hi, I’m Lauren Thell, author of Christian YA fiction and blogger for teens who are ready to exceed the world’s expectations.
In This Article
“Everybody’s doing it!” An Example of Peer Pressure From the Bible
Elijah had reason to be afraid. He’d just facilitated a very public demonstration of God’s might, then ordered the execution of over 900 Baal worshippers—some of whom were the queen’s own men.
And Queen Jezebel wasn’t someone to mess with. When she swore an oath to have his head within twenty-four hours, he fled. Not just to the next town but a day’s journey into the wilderness, all by himself, until he finally fell apart and begged God to end his life.
“I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.”
1 Kings 19:10
Pause for a minute and see if you can relate.
Do you ever feel like you’re the only one of your kind? The only believer in the room? The only one of your friends who cares about things like purity and holiness? You feel left out, and sometimes you want to give up and give in. After all, what’s wrong with a little fun?
God’s response to Elijah is the same response he gives to you.
“I reserve seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and whose mouths have not kissed him.”
1 Kings 19:18
Translation: You. Are. Not. Alone.
#ThroughFireIsaiah432: Never Alone
This is the lie that gives peer pressure its power—the myth that you are the only one who isn’t drinking, or having sex, or stealing road signs, or toilet papering the neighborhood, or [fill in the blank with whatever you’re feeling pressured to do right now].
It’s exactly that—a lie.
Integrity is quiet while sin likes to flaunt.
You are not alone. Someone else is also rebelling against the same pressure you feel. Look around and see if you can spot them. You might have to look hard because integrity is quiet while sin likes to flaunt. But they’re there.
And if you see no one else around you standing up to peer pressure, find some new friends! The secret to overcoming the lie is to stop believing it and replace it with truth.
Overcome Peer Pressure With Proverbs
Solomon had a lot to say about standing up to peer pressure. Take his words and engrain them in your brain for the next time you’re struggling.
My son, if sinful men entice you, do not give in to them.
Proverbs 1:10
Discretion will protect you,
Proverbs 2:11
and understanding will guard you.
My son, do not forget my teaching,
Proverbs 3:1-2
but keep my commands in your heart,
for they will prolong your life many years
and bring you peace and prosperity.
Do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight,
Proverbs 3:21-22
preserve sound judgment and discretion;
they will be life for you.
Walk with the wise and become wise,
Proverbs 13:20
for a companion of fools suffers harm.
Fear of man will prove to be a snare,
Proverbs 29:25
but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.
More Helpful Bible Verses About Peer Pressure
The Bible is rife with verses encouraging you to stand firm. Here are just a few.
Teach me your way, Lord;
Psalm 27:11
lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.
Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings!”
Acts 5:29
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2
Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character. Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God.
1 Corinthians 15:33-34
Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Galatians 1:10
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
Galatians 5:1
Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
Galatians 6:10
More Resources For Helping Christian Teens Overcome Peer Pressure
- Sequins or Diamonds? Remember This When Sin Looks Attractive
- Dealing With Peer Pressure: A Slideshow From the Future
- Why Fit In When You Were Made to Stand Out?
- 7 Common Lies About Sex Christian Girls Believe
You don’t have to have all the answers.
But, hey, why not?
Bring me your questions about faith, life, God, the Bible… and I’ll help you find the answers.