Called To GreatnessSample

Everybody's Doing It

As a kid, I remember trying to convince my mom and dad that I should be allowed to do something because all my other friends were doing it. Their parents were allowing it (either they were lying or their parents never knew about it); but my parents would end the conversation with, “If all your friends were jumping off a bridge, should I let you do that too?” It was tough to overcome that argument.

Every young man feels this tension of fitting into the crowd or going with the flow. Most boys feel pressure to be liked or fit in with the “cool” kids. So many will compromise their standards and stop “doing the right thing,” particularly when it comes to the use of foul language, talking inappropriately about girls, laughing at foul jokes, and watching videos. It eventually moves into the area of alcohol, drugs, and sex. This tension doesn't stop when you become a man.

Following the crowd is easy. We instantly feel accepted and part of the group without struggle or tension. God calls us to do things differently. When we do what everybody else is doing, we are destined for mediocrity! Going with the flow never produces greatness. In the crowd are missed opportunities, unrealized potential and regrets.

So look around. What is everybody else doing? Are they taking care of their health or are they eating junk? Are they entertained by garbage on TV and at the movies or are they protecting their heart by shielding their eyes? Are they engaging in gossip and inappropriate jokes at the expense of others? Chances are good that if everybody is doing it, you probably shouldn’t.

The cool thing is that being different can actually build your strength of character. Being different and choosing the higher road makes you stronger.

One of the best things a father can do for his son is to model what it looks like to be different. Don’t do what everybody else does. Make key decisions that set you apart – like not drinking or choosing to spend time with the family instead of out with “the guys.” Invest that time with your son reinforcing his own strength to be different and rewarding who he is becoming as a young man. Celebrate that you are in it together! The godly life requires that we go against the flow.

Take Action

1. Are you going with the flow or against the flow? In what ways does your life look like everybody else’s? In what ways is it different?
2. Why is it hard to swim upstream? What role does peer pressure play?
3. What are some key areas that you need to change direction and go against the flow? List them here and share with each other. Decide what you can do differently together and form a pact to stick together!

Father, help us to find ways to go against the flow. Give us the courage we will need to do the right thing and be different, especially when it requires that we stand alone. Build a bond between us that celebrates that we are different and doing life your way! Amen.

More from Jimmy and Dan