Making A Difference

Trust in the LORD and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.

Psalm 37:3

Have you ever done something just because a friend did it? Have you ever asked your mom to buy you a certain piece of clothing because everyone else at school seemed to be wearing it? Have you watched a certain television show because everyone was talking about it and you felt left out? If you’ve done any of these things, you’ve been affected by peer pressure.

Remember how we talked about not doing wrong things just because others were doing them (see Standing Apart for God for a reminder)? We saw that a princess needs to stand out for God. But peer pressure isn’t always wrong. Sometimes it’s a good thing. If you did a good deed because someone else did, that’s great. If you are kind and encouraging toward someone because you saw a friend acting that way, that’s good too. Or if you decided to dress modestly or to listen to only good music because someone you admire does, that’s another example of positive peer pressure.

As God’s princess, you can be the one to set the example and encourage others to do the same. That’s using positive peer pressure. How can you do this? Start each day by asking God to help you make good choices and to do the things he wants you to do. Then follow God’s leading and encourage others to join you. Be the first to welcome a new girl at school or church. Be the one who sits with a lonely student at lunch. Set the example in studying and working hard at schoolwork. Volunteer for the less desirable jobs, like wiping the lunch tables or cleaning up after an activity.

If you take the lead in choosing to do right and do it with a good attitude and a smile, others will want to join you. You will shine as God’s princess.

Can you think of times when you followed positive peer pressure—you did something good because someone you admired was doing it? Think of three ways you can be the one to do good things that others will want to copy.