YOUTH & YOUNG ADULT STUDY: How to Be the Example Everywhere You Go—Even When Temptation Is Loud

1 Timothy 4:12 (KJV) – "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity."

Let’s be real—staying solid in your faith when everyone around you is moving different can feel like a lot. The world is packed with distractions, temptations, and pressure to just go with the flow instead of standing firm. But guess what? You’re not called to blend in, you’re called to lead, set the tone, and be the example even when it’s hard.

So how do you actually pull that off? How do you walk into any situation and still reflect Christ without folding? Let’s break it down:

1. Be the Same Person Everywhere You Go

Nothing hits worse than seeing someone switch up depending on who they’re around. If you’re serious about walking in faith, you can’t be one way at church and another way at school, work, or online. You have to stay consistent, no matter the setting.

Matthew 5:14 (KJV) – "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid."

Your faith isn’t meant to be hidden. Your life should shine everywhere—not just when it’s convenient.

Ways to stay solid:

Don’t fake your faith just to fit in—live it for real.

If the energy around you feels off, listen to that feeling instead of ignoring it.

Be bold—your faith isn’t something to shrink down to make people comfortable.

2. Move Different, Even When Everyone Else Moves the Same

People follow trends, chase approval, and do whatever seems fun in the moment. But if you know better, you’ve got to do better, even when it’s not the popular choice.

Romans 12:2 (KJV) – "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind."

It’s easy to follow what everyone else is doing, but God is calling you to walk in purpose, not just popularity.

How to stay focused:

Set clear boundaries—not everything is for you.

If something feels wrong, don’t entertain it just because everyone else is.

Choose God’s approval over people’s approval—not everyone will get it, and that’s okay.

3. Love People Without Compromising Your Values

Being an example doesn’t mean judging people—it means showing them the love of Christ through your actions. Nobody responds well to negativity, but genuine kindness opens doors.

John 13:35 (KJV) – "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."

People don’t need lectures—they need to see love in action.

How to love while standing firm:

Speak truth with grace, never watering down your beliefs but never losing love.

Be patient—everyone is on their own journey, and your kindness might be the thing that pulls them toward God.

Call people higher, not out—lead by example, not judgment.

4. Don’t Let Temptation Run You

Temptation is everywhere, but it doesn’t have to control you. God already gave you the ability to resist—now it’s up to you to make the right call.

1 Corinthians 10:13 (KJV) – "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able."

Resisting temptation isn’t about being perfect—it’s about knowing what’s right and choosing it, even when it’s hard.

Ways to stand strong:

Remove yourself from situations where it’s easy to slip up.

Have accountability friends who will check you when needed.

Remember that self-control is power, not restriction.

5. Keep Jesus at the Center of Everything You Do

At the end of the day, it all comes down to who you’re following. If Christ is your foundation, He will lead you right, even when things feel chaotic.

Colossians 3:2 (KJV) – "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."

When Jesus is your focus, your choices, your conversations, and your priorities will reflect Him.

Ways to stay rooted:

Spend intentional time with God, not just rushing through prayers.

Surround yourself with people who push you toward Christ, not away.

Keep your mind on eternity, not just temporary satisfaction.

Final Reminder: You Were Meant to Lead

It’s easy to feel outnumbered, but you weren’t called to follow trends—you were called to set the tone.

People are watching. Not to judge, but because they’re looking for something real. When they see you standing firm no matter what’s around you, they see that faith isn’t just words—it’s real power.

Keep moving different. Keep standing strong. Keep leading. Jesus is working in you.

Dr. D. Devon Griffin, Author

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