Have you ever wondered how to stay strong in your faith when the others did not? Maybe your friends are doing things that you feel your loving God would not approve of. You can preserve your religious morality and faith without alienating your friends.

Steps

1. Make sure that you have a strong and firm relationship with your God, so that you don’t fall while others do. Sticking to your religious teachings may be more difficult in middle and high school as peer pressure increases, but you can influence your other friends and classmates who are acting immorally.
2. Do not be afraid to say “no.” Suppose that your friends are going to a party to drink. You think to yourself that you will just stay with the people who aren’t drinking and still go and enjoy the party. That is really not something you want to try. You might arrive at the party to find all of your closest friends drinking, and you might think about having a little. Consider whether you want to be in a situation like that.
3. Remind yourself of your faith before you have any experience that may end in immorality. You can pray or have a conversation with God. What would s/he advise you to do in this situation? Sometimes, it will be best to skip the activity altogether. Other times, you will be able to retain your values even when others may be acting immorally. You will have to judge for yourself.
4. Know when to break ties with your friends. Remember that a true friend will respect your decisions. Ask yourself whether what they’re trying to force you to do will permanently compromise your morality. Sometimes, you’ll be better off without your friends as bad influences. Other times, keeping the love and support your friends give will be worth it, even if you sometimes have to say “no” or disagree with them. Respect their beliefs, and if they are true friends, they will respect yours. Meditate on the matter and decide whether your confused friends will help or hurt you in the long run.
5. Be comfortable with who you are and your faith, even if you’re not the most popular person in school. Some people do not understand the word “no.” Surround yourself with people who respect you and your beliefs and decisions.
6. Wear something to remind you that God is there for you and that you should take time to listen to him and remind you to thank God.
   • Try wearing something like a bracelet or a special ring or necklace.
   • Try using 7 and/or 3 7s for “God” and “The Trinity” to be mindful of God’s blessing and for faith — but not for luck (not for magic).

Tips

• Get involved with local religious groups and make some friends with similar beliefs to your own who can help you in these situations even in dangerous parts of the world.
• Have a quiet time to reflect. Be sure to make time for it.
• Find ways to enjoy the morals your religion promotes. It’s possible to have fun without violating your morals!
• If you attend a church or find one, find out what services it offers. The best place to find out this information is at the office during business hours.
• Depending on which denomination you are (if any), most will have a schedule as to when, what, and where. Most offer a variety of services outside of their regular ones, such as a prayer meeting, men’s Bible class, or young adults meeting.
• Read the scriptures relevant to your religion such as the Bible and pray or meditate in God’s word.
• Watch the spiritual channels on television and listen to the radio ones.
• Phone books offer the best starting place if you’re not familiar with the area.

Suggested Reading

• Max Q: How to be Influential without Being Influenced by Stuart Hall and Andy Stanley
• Help! I’m a Student Leader by Doug Fields. Even if you aren’t a student leader, it helps with your spiritual growth.

Related wikiHows

• How to Establish a Personal Quiet Time with God
• How to Find the Energy of God
• How to Avoid Sabotaging Your Prayer Life
• How to Glorify God (Christianity)
• How to Find God Beyond Christian Law

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